Hopi Theocracy

Hopi traditional political organization can be called a theocracy. Traditionally, Hopi villages were ruled by established clan theocracies. The High Priest of a village was (and still is) called the kikmongwi and served as father of the village. The kikmongwi usually appointed at least one spokespman to make his wishes known to the outside world, and to serve as a source of information about the world. Various Crier Chiefs, Kiva Chiefs, and other leaders formed the village government; clan relationships usually dictated who would receive specific ceremonial and governing positions. Each Hopi village was autonomous with various villages having special clan and religious relationships with one another. In a sense, traditional Hopi government was not democratic. It is true that the priests, religious leaders, warriors, and kikmongwis would listen to various opinions before making decisions, but government was not necessarily by consensus.