Book

The Navajo

Holt, Rinehart and WinstonNew York • Published In 1972 • Pages: vi, 136

By: Downs, James F..

Abstract
This work is a case study of the pastoral community of Nez Ch'ii (a pseudonym) in the Black Mesa area of Arizona. The central theme of sheepherding, which has played such an important part in Navajo history, is shown here also to be a most important focus of the recent culture of Nez Ch'ii. Although other aspects of the ethnography are discussed in the text (e.g., farming and trading), they are treated within the '…framework of functional relationships existing between the maintenance of the herds and the social and cultural system based on this activity' (p. iii). Other significant themes in Nez Ch'ii society are the roles of females, the inviolability of individuals, status of the aged, the reciprocity principle, and the family. The source concludes with an analysis of the relationship of the people of the community to the dominant culture surrounding them.
Subjects
Domesticated animals
Pastoral activities
Social relationships and groups
Acculturation and culture contact
Settlement patterns
Public welfare
Chief executive
Animal transport
Wool production
Applied animal science
Transmission of skills
External trade
Retail marketing
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
John Beierle ; 1985
Field Date
1960-1961
Coverage Date
1960-1967
Coverage Place
Nez Ch'ii community (pseudonym) in the Black Mesa area of Arizona, southwestern United States
Notes
by James F. Downs
Includes bibliographical references
LCCN
70173266
LCSH
Navajo Indians