Figure 1.--This photograph was taken in Walpi village, an Hopi settlement in Arizona (August 1895). The Hopi preserved their traditional customs through the 19th century whhch we can assess through the photograophic record. The photographs show that while the girls might have elaborate hairstyle, little ttention was given to the boys' hair. Also note the long dresses.

We are not sure about traditional Hopi hair styles. Hopi maidens are famed for some of the most elaborate hair styles of any native American people. Just when the styles developed we are unsure. We know they were being worn at the turn of the 20th century bcause wev have photographic evidence. These complex hairstyles are called the Squash Blossom or Butterfly Whorls. Only young maidens wear them. They were dome my mothers helping their daugters find a mate. It was a signal that they were unmarried and looking for a husband. Mother created the style by winding the hair around a curved piece of wood to serve as a frame. This gave it a rounded shape which could be embelished in various ways. Finally the wooden frame was removed. The Hopi hair style is one of the most famous women's hairstyles because it was the inspiration for Prinncess Leia's iconic hairstyle from 'Starwars'. I know of no Native Americazn hair style, exceot perhaps the Mowhawk, that is so instantly recognizable. Mexican Revolutionary commander Clara de la Rocha wore a similar style common among Soldaderas (female Mexican revolutionary soldiers). Once married the hair styles were similar to othe Native American peoples, long hair otten done in braids. As far as we can tell, little attention was given to boys' hair. Mothers seem to just let it grow. Bangs were cut in the front. We can see this here (figure 1). But boys do not seem to have combed their hair.

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Created: 11:14 AM 3/31/2021
Last updated: 11:14 AM 3/31/2021