Known as the "Peaceful People", the Hopi rank among the better known of the Pueblo Nations of the American Southwest, and among the most recognizable First Nation group in the United States. The traditional religious beliefs of the Hopi involve the Kachina cycle. These are "spirits" or "forces" of nature that help humankind and the planet as a whole, along its journey.
The artists among the Hopi are known for their traditional intricate basket work, weavers, carvings of Kachinas, and silver work.
As with any other cultural group, Hopi is not static, but evolving with time. In addition to the traditional art forms, Hopi artists such as Fred Kaboti and Michael Kaboti, have translated the symbols and rich images into beautiful paintings. In the mid 20th century, a group of Hopi artists founded the Artist Hopid, an organization to increase the recognition and prestige of Hopi art, and to fight for fair market prices for Native American works of art. Today, because of the work of these pioneers, this small nation fosters the work of a wide range of skilled, quality artists.