"Three Mesas: Hopi Reservation " a Second Mesa Travel Page by NYMansour

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The photo is an example of a type of Kachina Doll. The Kachina Dolls on the reservation are a little different than this one, nonetheless intrically painted.

One may visit the Mesas, and have a tour of a Hopi village on (I think) the first mesa. No photography is allowed - neither is sketching or drawing.

As you take the walking tour, you will pass Hopis trying to sell Kachina Dolls. This is part of their livlihood. A Kachina Doll can sell from $20 - $100. I didn't buy one because I was worried about my money. Instead, I bought a hand made gourd rattle by a Hopi resident for $10.

While visiting the Mesa, a non-Native man came to sell a special kind of wood out of which Hopis make the Kachina Dolls. He had an entire pick-up truck full of it.

The Hopi reservation is the poorest I have seen so far. Those inhabiting the reservation choose to live either in a traditional way, or a more "modern" way.

The Hopis, compared to the Navajos, are off very poorly. They have a very small reservation compared to the Navajo nation. They also "Winter Farm". Making it difficult to produce lots of food. The Hopi reservation/Three Mesas provides a tourist an insight to how Native Americans really got cheated and ripped off. Overall, they seem to be faring the best they can.

There is a Restaurant on the Second Mesa. Don't count on great service...I had a Mutton Stew.... I think one time is enough for that!