Ritual Knowledge in Hopi Tradition

Abstract

Ritual knowledge and practice are essential to the Hopi cultural identity. All members of the Hopi community possess some form of ritual knowledge acquired by initiation into one or more ritual societies. Leaders of these societies, as well as the Kikmongwi (Village Chief), Tsa'akmongwi (Crier Chief), clan leaders, and ceremonial leaders, possess the most detailed ritual knowledge and are responsible for its activation within the customary practice. They are referred to collectively as wimmomngwit, and are chosen to fulfill their roles usually within their lineage and clan because of their standing, qualities, and skills. The possession of ritual knowledge is associated with serious duties to perform traditional social and religious festivities that are "as recurrent as they are constant with their sanctified timing during the course of the year"' Preparation for ritual activity involves a lifetime training, including not only initiations and learning the details of the ritual, but also inculcation of ethical values and practice of ethical behavior according to the teachings of Hopiv6tskwani.2 A wimmongwi is expected to be the ideal person. First of all, he should be "qa hovariwta, " which means "pure of heart, morally correct." On a ceremonial level, this state of being can make a ceremony effective and bring rain, which ensures fertility and fruition; on an individual level, it can bring long life, which is a symbol of personal fulfillment. A wimmongwi is expected to be one who is humble while performing office-okiw'unangwa'ytaqa. An illustrative example from the Hopi Dictionary/ Hopiikwa Lavuytutuveni states, "Uu 'okiw'unangwa naanan 'i'vo tuyqawvaqw yokvani, " which means, "If your humble heart prevails in all directions, it will rain."3 He also has to be calm and patient (paas unangwa'yta)