Book
The autobiography of a Papago woman
American Anthropological Association • (46) • Published In 1936 • Pages: ii, 64
By: Chona, Maria.
Abstract
This document comprises the life history of Maria Chona, a 90-year-old Papago woman who was the author's chief informant and aide while in the field. The information in her story concerns mainly the period of 1850 to about 1900. It covers, in addition to the day-to-day life of the people, many of the culturally significant values and activities of the Papago: shamanism, the cure of the sick, song-making, and warfare. The narrative is 'an Indian story told to satisfy whites rather than Indians,' with repetition minimized and emotional responses spelled out. Accuracy and thoroughness are, however, the primary virtues of the work. References to 'wild women,' i.e. wantons, have been placed in category 836. Underhill received her graduate training at Columbia University under Franz Boas and is an acknowledge authority on the Papago.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2010
- Region
- North America
- Sub Region
- Southwest and Basin
- Document Type
- Book
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1958; John Beierle; 2010
- Field Date
- 1931-1935
- Coverage Date
- 1850-1900
- Coverage Place
- Southwest Arizona, United States
- Notes
- by Ruth Underhill
- [Chona] Papago woman
- LCCN
- 37022775
- LCSH
- Tohono O'odham women