From Ancient Cultures
Come Timeless Treasures
By Prapti
#Arizona encompasses
the spirit of the Wild West, the splendor of the Grand Canyon, the kicks of
Route 66, and a rich American Indian history. Come and see how Arizona will
inspire you.
THE RICH
traditions of the past are as alive as they are welcoming in Arizona’s American
Indian landscape. The Grand Canyon State is home to 22 tribes-each with its own
historical and cultural significance. Whichever reservation you choose to
visit-Navajo, Hopi,Apache, Yavapai, or Hualapai, to name just a few-you’ll
undoubtedly be captivated by vast, beautiful terrain, ancient architectural
ruins, a treasure trove of arts and crafts, and vibrant, contemporary towns.
Arizona’s American Indian culture can be traced back at
least 12,000 years. Anthropologists have identified several groups of early
occupants, including the Ancestral Puebloan, Hohokam, Mogollon, san Salado
peoples. American Indian tribes continue to contribute greatly to the
spiritual, cultural, and economic life of Arizona. Providing travelers with the
opportunity to experience this diversity and heritage firsthand is one of the
things that make the state so special.
Arizona’s trading posts, monuments, cultural centers, and
museums feature much more than just American Indian art. These venues are woven
into the fabric of the lives and histories of Arizona’s native communities.
Trading posts, for example, provide a trip back through time. Visitors can
witness transaction being handled as they were in the early days of Arizona
history, such as an elderly Navajo woman cashing a check by endorsing the back
with an inked thumbprint.
While most reservations and tribal communities welcome
visitors to experience their culture, tourism opportunities vary greatly among
the tribes. Some, like the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe,
support a wide range of tourism experiences. Others are more private.
One of the best ways to experiences Arizona’s American
Indian culture is to attend an event that celebrates tribal customs and lore,
such as the Annual World Championship Hoop Dance contest held at Phoenix’s
Heard Museum, or its guild’s annual
Indian fair and market, which features more than 600 of the nation’s top
Native American artists, lively music, and dance performances.