All of these wall pictures, however, are not an
essential part of the altar.
This altar, like the one of the Tao Society, was reproduced by Mr. Voth.
One of the subjects of his study was this altar and the various ceremonies
connected with it, and while he was making these studies he succeeded in
obtaining the photographs, drawings, measurements, notes, etc., from which
he reproduced this elaborate piece of sacred Hopi ceremonial paraphernalia.
Hopi Door. The door itself leading into this Altar Room is an interesting
antique. It is a real Hopi door, brought from Oraibi, and supposed to be
not less than one hundred and fifty years old. Its quaint method of
swinging, the way it is put together and fastened with nothing but rawhide
thongs, reveals, as few things could, the interesting inventions of
necessity. Prior to their knowledge and use of doors, which they
undoubtedly gained from the Mexicans, their doorways were closed by slabs
of rock, as described in the chapter on "The First Discoverers and
Inhabitants of the Grand Canyon." Those who have read that chapter will
find many things of especial interest in this fascinating house.
Value of Hopi House. The Hopi House is in itself a liberal education in the
customs, arts, history, mythology, religious ceremonials, and industries of
not only one, but many tribes of Indians. It is not only a good business
investment, but a place of benefit to which one should go prepared
intelligently to study. Such an one will come away with a keen appreciation
of the incomparable ethnological advantages this building affords him, and
he will not grudge any purchase, however large, the attractiveness of the
display has led him to indulge in.
Dances in the Hopi House. Every evening throughout the year, when a
sufficient number of visitors are present to justify it, the Indians of the
Hopi House give a few brief dances and songs, which faintly suggest the
style of some of their more elaborate ceremonials.
CHAPTER XVI. Visiting Indians At El Tovar
It is seldom that the traveler will find less than three Indian tribes of
distinct family represented at or near El Tovar. In the Hopi House, as is
shown, there are Hopis and Navahos, and in their camp near by,there will
generally be found a band of Havasupais from Havasu (Cataract) Canyon,
making baskets or dressing buckskin.
To most people an Indian is an Indian, yet there is such a wonderful
difference between these three peoples, in features, language, habits,
religion, social customs and life, that a short comparison cannot fail to
be of interest and profit.
The Hopi Indian. The Hopis belong to the people popularly spoken of as
"pueblos," but this name signifies nothing more than town Indians, as
distinguished from the nomad or wandering tribes.
