Customer Reviews

The Fourth World of the Hopis: The Epic Story of the Hopi Indians as Preserved in Their Legends and Traditions

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This is an exceptional compilation of Hopi stories and legends. Having read many books about Hopi, I have found nothing to compare. This is a 'must read' for all who are interested in building or adding to their knowledge of the Hopi Way. This is not a new book, but the title and the content have stood the test of time. Enjoy!

As an archaeologist, Pima College instructor and tour guide to the Hopi mesas over the last twelve years I have found my copy of Courlander to be invaluable as a reference volume on these fascinating people. Along with James, (Pages from Hopi History) it has formed the basis of all the information I have needed to better educate the "bahana" on the ways of the Hopitusinom.

I found this to be a very authentic account of Hopi mythology. Added bonuses were "Notes on Stories" section in back; nice artwork by Arno, which added to overall myth feeling; and a few songs written in sheet music style.

For people who have heard about Hopis, and know enough about them to consider them a highly representative descendant of the Ancestral Puebloans, but nothing more, this is a decent book. It has stories of their origin from the third world, legends of tribal and clan migrations, and actual history, such as the split at Oraibi and the destruction of Awatovi.

But, one of the things many people with just base-level knowledge of Hopis may be interested in is kachinas. The author includes neither any critical study of their origin (Mexico, ultimately, via the Mimbres culture of SW New Mexico), nor any Hopi myths that focus on dances or ceremonies of kachinas.