Hopi Music and Dance

Dances of the Hopis can be divided into two categories, sacred and secular. The sacred dances include all kachina dances, the snake dance, and the women’s societies’ dances, while the secular dances include the butterfly, buffalo, eagle, Navajo, koyala, and others. Both of these kinds of dances have certain religious significance, but the secular dances much less so. Actually, to call the former “dances” is a misnomer. It would probably be much more appropriate to call them “ceremonies” since they are the culmination of several days or even weeks of religious or semi-religious endeavor. However, popular usage for these activities calls them “dances,” so, throughout this booklet the terms are used interchangeably. The music of the Hopis is primarily centered around these ceremonies, though there is also a body of songs such as lullabies, game songs, and story songs, which have no religious significance. The concept of religious significance is an important concept when dealing with Hopi songs or dances since it is firmly believed by the Hopi that the dances and the accompanying songs are powerful instruments. Their proper use insures rain for crops, fertility, and prosperity not only for the Hopi people, but also for all people on the earth…