Beginning of Essay
In the Southwestern United States, perched high above northern Arizona, are three isolated mesas. Appropriately named First, Second, and Third Mesa, this starkly beautiful land is home to the Hopi Indians. The Hopi reservation is a remote area, comprising approxim ....

Middle of Essay
.... and the gods. They may bring rain, fertile crops, punish transgressions, or cure disease. For six months of each year (August through January) it is believed that Kachinas live in their own land within the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. When the winter solstice comes, Kachinas leave their homes and become one with the Hopi, remaining there until the end of July (Niman Festival). During this season for Kachina dance ceremonies, the Hopi men dress in colorful masks and vestiments to impersonate these spirits. Hopi men become the Kachinas with their power and spirit vested in these masks. Considered sacred, these masks must be kept out of sight ....