Book

Sun chief: the autobiography of a Hopi Indian

Pub. for the Institute of Human Relations by Yale University Press ; H. Milford, Oxford University PressNew Haven • Published In 1942 • Pages:

By: Talayesva, Don C., Simmons, Leo William.

Abstract
This source is an autobiography which covers in great detail the first 50 years of a Hopi's life (1890-1940). It is rich in information relating to socialization, domestic life, kin and nuclear family relations, the developmental cycle involving clan and secret society initiations and statuses, sex, diet, relations with Whites and Navajos, and personality traits. It also contains material on agriculture and animal husbandry, division of labor, missionaries, villager politics, and reservation schools. All of this is presented in the context of Don Talayesva's emotions and personal attitudes about the events. He is candid and seems to have taken to heart Leo Simmons' admonition that the project would be “entirely worthless” if it were not “absolutely true and as complete as possible.” The text is a rich and rewarding view of Hopi life in the first half of this century as seen by someone who was an active part of it.
Subjects
Life history materials
Social personality
Drives and emotions
Organized ceremonial
Kin relationships
Culture summary
Infancy and childhood
Family
Sodalities
Diet
Sex
Behavior toward non-relatives
culture
Hopi
HRAF PubDate
2000
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Indigenous Person
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Martin Malone ; 1975
Field Date
1890-1940
Coverage Date
1890-1940
Coverage Place
Oraibi Pueblo, northeastern Arizona, United States
Notes
Edited by Leo W. Simmons
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
a 42002153
LCSH
Hopi Indians