STORYTELLING WITH THE HOPI

There are set times and seasons for storytelling among the various Indian tribes, but the winter season, when there is likely to be most leisure and most need of fireside entertainment, is a general favorite.

There are secret cults and ceremonials rigidly excluding women and children, whose basic myths are naturally restricted in their circulation, but the main body of tribal myth is for the pleasure of all.

Old people relate the stories to the children, not only because they enjoy telling them and the children like listening to them, but because every member of the tribe should know them as a part of his education.

While all adults are supposed to know something of the tribal stories, not all are expected to be good storytellers. Storytelling is a gift, a few individuals who are the best storytellers, usually are an old man, sometimes an old woman, and occasionally, a young man of some dramatic ability. When an important story furnishing a religious or social precedent is called for, either in council meeting or ceremonial, the custodian of the stories is in demand.

The Hopi, believe that when a bird sings he is weaving a magic spell, and so they have songs for special magic too; some for grinding, for weaving, for planting, others for hunting, and still others for war; all definitely to gain the favor of the gods in these particular occupations.