Book

Human-wolves among the Navaho

Human Relations Area Files Press • (11) • Published In 1970 • Pages: 43

By: Morgan, William.

Abstract
In this excellent study based on interviews within an extended family, Morgan discusses stories about 'human-wolves' and relates the beliefs and 'delusions' regarding werewolves and witches to underlying anxieties in the Navajo family. According to Morgan, witchcraft is a screen for aggressive feelings and acts, and the fears associated with such aggression. In most stories the man is the witch and the woman, the victim. In Freudian terms these stories acan be interpreted as expressing a man's sexual agression against his mother. Morgan considers this but goes further and sees other tensions and repressed impulses in the Navajo household. He discuses each story on a case by case basis, noting the different kinds of stories and how they become embellished.
Subjects
Adjustment processes
Verbal arts
Sorcery
Mythology
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2002
Field Date
1929-1933
Coverage Date
1933
Coverage Place
Talking Rock, Arizona, United States
Notes
[by] William Morgan
Reprint of the 1936 ed.
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
72118244
LCSH
Navajo Indians