PATHWAYS TO HOPI: Cultural Affiliation and the Archaeological Textile Record

Hopi traditional textiles are the woven expression of Hopi history and an integral part of religious observances, rites of passage, and gift exchange. They incorporate a wide range of styles and weaving technologies whose origins can be traced to different geographical regions and archaeological cultures of the Southwest. During the late pre-Hispanic period, these styles and techniques amalgamated in the Hopi region to create the historic Hopi textile tradition. After European contact, certain Spanish and Euro-American introductions—sheep’s wool, new dyes, metal needles, the knitting technique, and probably embroidery—were selectively added to the Hopi textile repertoire. In a very