article

Burial as a disposition mechanism for Navajo JISH or medicine bundles

American Indian quarterly4 (4) • Published In 1978 • Pages: 347-365

By: Frisbie, Charlotte Johnson.

Abstract
In this article Frisbie reviews the ethnogaphic and archaeological literature to discuss the disposal of medicine bundles (JISH) in burial sites. There is conflicting opinion even among Navajo whether it is proper to dispose of JISH in this way. Some see it as a return to the basic elements from which the JISH are made. Others believe that they are too sacred to be treated in this manner. Considering the possibility that her informants may not wish to tell her the truth about so sacred an item in order to protect their whereabouts, Frisbie concludes that not enough is known yet about JISH diversity and ownership to offer a real explanation.
Subjects
Burial practices and funerals
Sacred objects and places
Ethnogeography
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Ian Skoggard ; 2003
Field Date
1963-1976
Coverage Date
1868-1976
Coverage Place
Navajo Nation, southwestern United States
Notes
Charlotte J. Frisbie
Includes bibliographical references (p. 361-365)
LCCN
74647596
LCSH
Navajo Indians