article

“Then you will rise and strike my head from my neck”: Hopi prophecy and the discourse of empowerment

American Indian quarterly19 (1) • Published In 1995 • Pages: 31-73

By: Clemmer, Richard O..

Abstract
This paper is a detailed analysis of Hopi mythic prophecies, their significance in Hopi society, and their relationship to the non-Hopi world. Clemmer attempts "…to explain why Hopi prophecy contains these two elements -- the stabilization of uncertainty on the one hand and the introduction of instability on the other -- by suggesting that 'punishment' is a metaphor for loss of political and economic autonomy and that 'punisher' is a metaphor for re-empowerment. All other referents in the prophetic mythic complex serve to connect it to specific symbols from Hopi tradition, culture, and religion; to symbols familiar to non-Hopis; and to the flow of historical events. The effect of these referents is to confirm the validity of the mythic prophecy to a multi-faceted audience of Hopis -- who seek empowerement -- and non-Hopis, who must be persuaded not to deny power to them" (pp. 32-33).
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Sociocultural trends
Ingroup antagonisms
Community heads
Public welfare
Political parties
Mythology
Revelation and divination
Prophets and ascetics
culture
Hopi
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle; 1999
Field Date
1968-1969
Coverage Date
1882 - 1990
Coverage Place
Oraibi (Orayvi) pueblo, Third Mesa, northeastern Arizona, United States
Notes
By Richard O. Clemmer
Includes bibliographical references (p. 68-73)
LCCN
74647596
LCSH
Hopi Indians