article

Idea and action patterns in Navaho Flintway

Southwestern journal of anthropology1 • Published In 1945 • Pages: 356-377

By: Wyman, Leland Clifton, Bailey, Flora L..

Abstract
This is another in the series of analyses made by Wyman and Bailey of Navajo ceremonials. Here the authors compare the objective behavior observed by them in the basic Lifeway ceremonial, Flintway, with precept as recounted by various singers, and the legend as recorded by Father Berard Haile (referred to here as FW). They find that 'the correspondence between idea and action patterns is remarkably close in the realm of ceremonialism and that orally transmitted ceremonial patterns are comparatively stable.' They conclude that myth and ritual are thus adjustive responses 'preserving the familiar.' The performances described are (I) at Pinedale, New Mexico, at the home of singer (B), July 11-13, 1941, and (II) conducted at GK's home, Bison Springs, New Mexico, July 18-20, 1941. Where differences occurred in the second ceremony, they indicated thus: (II). The chants are described according to the method of Kluckhohn and Wyman, (KW), AN INTRODUCTION TO NAVAHO CHANT PRACTICE, (47:Kluckhohn and Wyman in this file). The status of most of the personnel (identified by initials in category 115, page 359) is given in source 122: Wyman and Bailey (in this file), NAVAHO UPWARD-REACHING WAY. Other initials used indicate the following: LCW, Wyman; SC, Father Berard's principal informant; DS, another informant of the authors, WK, Wyman and Kluckhohn, NAVAHO CLAssIFICATION OF THEIR SONG CEREMONIALS.
Subjects
Music
Magical and mental therapy
Shamans and psychotherapists
Medical therapy
Sacred objects and places
Organized ceremonial
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Types
Natural Scientist
Educator
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Kachen S. Coley ; 1952-1953
Field Date
1941
Coverage Date
1941
Coverage Place
Pinedale and Bison Springs, New Mexico, United States
Notes
Leland C. Wyman and Flora L. Bailey
Includes bibliographical references (p. 377)
LCCN
47005758
LCSH
Navajo Indians