Made some new friends yesterday when I spent some time with a handful of Hopi folks who lead tours on the Hopi Reservation. Leading tours in the 12 Hopi villages atop the three mesas that make up Hopi land is a little tricky. Out of respect to the people who continue to live on Hopi, photography is not allowed in the villages. Hopi sacred sights can't be photographed. Some social ceremonies are open to the public but many are not.
Donald Dawahongnewa, Ronald Wadsworth, Hunter Tso and Lorna Joesph consult with the folks who live in the 12 villages so they know where they can and can't take visitors to Hopi. Every village has different "ground rules." Sharing their culture is important but doing so in a respectful manner is even more important.
Want to see Hopi land for yourself? My advice: hire a Hopi Tribe certified tour guide at www.experiencehopi.com.
Clockwise from top left: Ronald Wadsworth, Hunter Tso, Donald Dawahongnewa and Lorna Joseph.