Hopi Stories

Quenching his thirst from the kutuki, Omawnakw finishes his cup of water. “Sorry for the interrupting the story, but I was thirsty.” Slapping his hands down on his knees, “Now then. Where were we in the story?” “THE SNAKE! THE SNAKE! A large golden snake just hissed at Tiyo!” Kaiah said almost screaming. “Oh yes,” Omawnakw said with a smile. “Tiyo was in the house of the Snake-People.” And so the story continues... ~ ~ ~...

Kaiah was trying not to show her boredom, but as it is with all youngsters, it was obvious to all. Omawnakw had finally finished the last of his kutuki. Brushing some of the residue from his hands and then wiping them on his leggings he said, “Delicious! Now where were we in the story?” Kaiah just looked at him and then said in the monotone voice only a bored 9 year-old could muster, “Tee Yoo Was At The Big Wa Ter.” The q...

Kaiah and Manci were just finishing up preparation for dinner. They had fixed a hearty squash soup with hominy corn and the rabbit for their guest, plus the fried bread for the meal. Manci also had a yucca sifter basket filled with kutuki, a Hopi parch corn dish, as a snack during the story telling time. She spread her finest rug on the floor for sitting. Just then the blanket covering the doorway parted and Kaiah's fathe...

“Momma,” 9-year-old Kaiah asks, “When I'm done grinding the corn, can I go over to Shumana's to visit before dinner?” Manci looks over at her daughter and shakes her head. “No my dear. It's no time for a little girl to be out after dark.” “But why?” was the immediate response. “You know perfecting well why. Tonight is Kyaamuya.” Her mother reminded her. “ It is a sacred time . The night is filled with mystery and power. H...