Volume 44 - No. 23
June 05, 2014
by lyle e davis
We’ve heard a great deal about the Apache, the Comanche, the Sioux, the Nez Perce . . . but most of us have not heard much about an Indian Nation that is fairly close to us, geographicaly, if not historically. The Navajo Nation has a rich, sometimes colorful, history . . . filled with adventure, excitement, pain and suffering, and tragedy. But many of their tales are not often told. We propose to change that a bit.
A bit of background: The name “Navajo” comes from the late 18th century via the Spanish (Apaches de) Navajó "(Apaches of) Navajó", which means, roughly, "fields adjoining a ravine". The Navajo call themselves Diné.
Left: A Blind Navajo Medicine Woman in her sacred hogan. She walks in the desert daily, guided by the warmth of the sun on her face, giving her the sense of direction - near route 160, “The Navajo Trail,” Arizona Lower Left: A beautiful turquoise bracelet. An example of the fine silversmith craftsmanship by the Navajo.
The Navajo were semi-nomadic from the 16th through the 20th centuries. Their extended kinship groups had seasonal dwelling areas to accommodate livestock, agriculture and gathering practices. As part of their traditional economy, Navajo groups may have formed trading or raiding parties, traveling relatively long distances.
Background below: Monument Valley, AZ, where the Navajo regularly traveled.
Upper background: An example of one many designs that the Navajo used in their blankets and wall hangings.
While a very peaceful people today, the Navajo Nation at one time did a lot of raiding of other tribes, stealing horses, cattle, etc. The other tribes returned the favor, in kind. They were never considered terribly warlike but they were known as quite competent and brave warrior when the cause demanded. The Navajo provided our ‘codetalkers’ during WWII, passing messages in the Navajo language so enemy forces could not understand nor break the code. They acquitted themselves quite honorably.
During the battle that preceded “The Long Walk,” the Navajo put up an effective fight until a scorched earth policy, denying them of food, water and shelter, and the onset of winter, caused them to surrender. More about that another day, when we tell that painful story. Till then, it’s important you know a bit more about the Navajo. To under The Paper - 760.747.7119
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stand them as a people. As a culture.
Historically, the structure of the Navajo society is largely a matrilineal system, in which women owned livestock and
land.
Once married, a Navajo man would move to live with his bride in her dwelling and among her mother's people and clan. Daughters (or, if neces-
The Navajo
Continued on Page 2
sary, other female relatives) were traditionally the ones who received the generational property inheritance. As adults, males represent their mother's clan in tribal politics. The clan system requires that-