Note: This article was first published on Mysterious Universe (MU)
The Hopi tribe consists of twelve villages built on top of three rocky mesas in northeastern Arizona. The mesas are flat-topped ridges that rise abruptly out of the desert plains. Even though the Hopi have been subjected to waves of external influences, and an overtly technological civilization swirls all around them, their traditional way of life has not been greatly affected. They have maintained their sacred covenant with Maasaw – the Lord of the Dead & the Caretaker of the earth – and live as peaceful, humble farmers, respecting the land and its resources, always remembering the Creator Taiowa and the spirit beings called Kachina, through their ceremonies, songs, dances and rituals. This helps, as they claim, to maintain the harmony and balance of the world.