Hopi Kilts

[Riverkilt]

The Hopi Reservation is about 80 miles southeast of me. Have been reading a book on Hopi culture. In it, found references to Hopi kilts, and a description in the back.

The garment is more a skirt than a kilt but I believe the translators chose the word kilt to emphasize that it is a male garment.

"The kilt, which is woven by the Hopi men themselves, forms part of the native apparel. Whenever it is worn by the kachinas, it is nearly always embroidered...Properly worn the kilt is open on the right where the decorated side also shows."

Here's a picture of one.

[Big Dave]

That pattern would make a nice looking kilt.

[GMan]

I do like that Ron.

[Ruanaidh]

Here's the "kilt" on a Kachina doll.

[Riverkilt]

Very cool! Thanks.

I've been fortunate to be invited to Third Mesa to watch the Kachinas dance. An awesome and reverent sight...a hundred men dancing, rattling, and drumming in a most sacred manner and in perfect unison. I mean when the rattles stop the rattles stop...not a pebble inside a single rattle makes a sound. Powerful stuff.

Ron

[Steeplechase]

Interesting

[Eujeankilt]

Ron,

You have indeed been honored. The Hopi are very protective of their culture, and with good reason. Many American Indian cultures have become diluted and some have disappeared. When my wife and I drove through the reservation last spring, we were suprised at the signs when you enter the reservation lands. The sign listed what you could and couldn't do. Undoubtedly, some visitors find it unwelcoming.

If anyone is interested, read the "Book of the Hopi" by Frank Waters- fascinating stuff.


Dale

[GMan]

Ron,

I am impressed What an honor indeed.