Press Release: The Hopi Tribe

Initial Date of Release: June 8, 1999

Kykotsmovi, Arizona-- Homol'ovi- where the Hisatsinom, the Ancient Ones, once lived and farmed the desert flood plains, Spanish conquistadors forded the Little Colorado River, army camels swayed across the desert, Mormon pioneers battled drought and cowboys forged an empire of grass and beef. It is sometimes difficult to imagine the range of history reflected in this vast land.

Four major pueblo ruins and over 340 other prehistoric archaeological sites are now protected within Homol'ovi Ruins State Park near Winslow, Arizona. Located a little over a mile north of Interstate 40, this park of nearly 4500 acres provides a view of the history for this land at the park visitor center, trails through the two main ruins, and special programs and activities.

The pueblo sites within the park are fairly late sites, with the largest population at Homol'ovi surged with the growth of these large villages. Homol'ovi II, thought to have over a thousand rooms, was the center of agriculture and trade. During June and July, archaeologists from the Arizona State Museum and volunteers from Earthwatch conduct excavations at Homol'ovi to learn more about the pueblo culture. Visitors are welcome to visit the sites and observe archaeologists at work. Archaeology day is July 24th and 31st of 1999. The public is welcome to celebrate with Hopi artists, dancers, and corn roasting in the "prehistoric pit" and more.

Although established to protect these cultural sites, Homol'ovi also protects a portion of the high desert grassland and riverside habitat of Arizona. Golden eagles, northern harriers, merlins, nighthawks, and burrowing owls are a few of the birds that may be seen in the park. Coyote sing at night while prairie dogs munch grass beside the road. In addition, grey fox, badger, bobcat, and jackrabbits are common sights.

The park's 53-site campground includes water and electric hook-ups, dump stations, hot showers, and tent pads. Large rigs can be accommodated in both back-in and pull-through sites. Although water at individual sites and showers is not available in the winter, the campground is open throughout the year. All facilities have been designated for visitors with various physical abilities. For more information, please contact the Homol'ovi Ruins State Parks at (520) 289-4106 or visit theArizona State Parks web page.

The Homol'ovi Research Program

The Homol'ovi Research Program (HRP) is an interdisciplinary research project focused on ancient Hopi villages in the middle Little Colorado River valley in northeastern Arizona (near Winslow). HRP was founded in 1984 as part of the effort to preserve and protect these valuable resources. Research conducted and supported by the project in anthropology, geology, hydrology, soil science, paleoclimate, ethnobiology, and other specialized fields now contribute to the public interpretation offered through project publications.

A major component of the HRP is the formal education for students and the informal education for volunteers. Nearly 2000 undergraduate and graduate students from all over the world have participated in the field and another 200 in the lab, with over 20 students receiving honor's master's or doctoral degrees based on Homol'ovi data. A recent addition to HRP is a two week high school program that brings exceptional students to the project for an intensive experience in the field and visiting the Hopi mesas to meet descendants of the Homol'ovi people. Nearly 500 volunteers, mostly recruited through Earthwatch, have been involved in the project for over 10 years. HRP is one of Earthwatch's most popular and long-standing projects. The Earthwatch volunteers are a tremendous source of financial support for the project, but more importantly, after spending 2 to 3 weeks with the project, they become valuable ambassadors for the project and for archaeology in their communities around the world.

Homol'ovi Ruins State Park

HRP works closely with Arizona State Parks and with the Hopi Tribe to develop interpretive programs and to manage the archaeological resources in the Park. The Hopi regularly visit and consult with HRP personnel. Generally, one or more Hopi students participate in the project. The project has collected valuable artifacts and research information that will be available for future generations of students and researchers. General information and more technical data are available to the public and other researchers in three monographs, a book, and dozens of articles and papers prepared by project staff and students.

HRP has also been a valuable component in the community. The project brings thousands of dollars to the Winslow economy each field season and contributes to tourism opportunities on the Colorado Plateau. Through the Park and the interpretive programs, HRP contributes to the general education of tourists passing through Arizona, developing an understanding of past cultures and a sensitivity to the value of protecting and carefully studying the remains of the past. HRP is an outstanding example of a project that helps protect a valuable cultural resources, provides educational and research opportunities for students and the general public, works closely with native communities, and makes archaeological sites accessible to the general public.

For more information on the Homol'ovi Research Program, please contact Chuck Adams, Director, at (520) 621-2039.

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