The Four Corners Area - American Southwest - page 104

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likely be approached by villagers selling various crafts, including kachina dolls. The qual-
ity will not be as high as that in shops, but then, neither are the prices.
At Keams Canyon, almost 30 miles east of the cultural center, you'll find McGee's
Indian Art Gallery ( & 928/738-2295; www.hopiart.com), which is the best place on
the reservation to shop for high-quality contemporary kachina dolls. This shop is adja-
cent to a grocery store and has been a trading post for more than 100 years.
If you're in the market for Hopi silver jewelry, stop in at Hopi Fine Arts ( & 928/737-
2222 ), which is at the foot of Second Mesa at the junction of Ariz. 264 and Ariz. 87.
This shop also has a good selection of kachina dolls and some beautiful coil and wicker
plaque baskets.
One of the best places to get a quick education in Hopi art and crafts is Tsakurshovi
( & 928/734-2478 ), a tiny shop 1 1 / 2 miles east of the Hopi Cultural Center on Sec-
ond Mesa. This shop has a huge selection of traditional kachina dolls and also has lots of
jewelry. Janice and Joseph Day, the owners, are very friendly and are always happy to
share their expertise with visitors. This is also where you can buy a “Don't Worry Be
Hopi” T-shirt.
If you're interested in kachina dolls, be sure to visit Oraibi's Monongya Gallery
( & 928/734-2344 ), a big building right on Ariz. 264 outside of Oraibi. It usually has
one of the largest selections of kachina dolls in the area. Also in Oraibi is Hamana So-o's
Arts & Crafts ( & 928/206-6392 ), which is in an old stone house from which owner
Sandra Hamana sells primarily artwork and crafts based on kachina images.
WHERE TO STAY & DINE
If you've brought your food along, you'll find picnic tables just east of Oraibi on top of
the mesa. These tables have an amazing view!
Hopi Cultural Center Restaurant & Inn Although it isn't much, this simple motel
makes the best base for anyone planning to spend a couple of days shopping for crafts in
the area. Because it is the only lodging for miles around, be sure you have a reservation
before heading up for an overnight visit. Guest rooms are comfortable enough, though
the grounds are quite desolate. The restaurant has a salad bar and serves American and
traditional Hopi meals, including piki bread (a paper-thin bread made from blue corn)
and Hopi stew, which is made with hominy, lamb, and green chili. There's also a small
museum.
P.O. Box 67, Second Mesa, AZ 86043. & 928/734-2401. Fax [phone]. www.hopiculturalcenter.com.
30 units. Mar 15-Oct 15 $101-$105 double; Oct 16-Mar 14 $81-$85 double. Children 12 and under stay
free in parent's room. AE, DISC, MC, V. Amenities: Restaurant. In room: A/C, TV, free local calls.
EN ROUTE TO OR FROM THE HOPI MESAS
On the west side of the reservation, in Tuba City, is the Tuba City Trading Post, Main
Street and Moenave Avenue ( & 928/283-5441 ). This octagonal trading post was built
in 1906 of local stone and is designed to resemble a Navajo hogan or traditional home
(there's also a real hogan on the grounds). The trading post sells Native American crafts,
with an emphasis on books, music, and jewelry. Across the parking lot from the trading
post, you'll find Hogan Espresso, Main Street and Moenave Avenue ( & 800/644-8383
or 928/283-4545), one of the few places on the reservation where you can get espresso.
Behind the trading post, you'll find the Explore Navajo Interactive Museum, 10 N.
Main St. ( & 928/640-0684 ), a small museum in a tentlike structure that was used at
the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics. Although small, the museum provides a good intro-
duction to Navajo culture. There is also a good Navajo code talkers exhibit here. The

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