essay

Navajo views of their origin

handbook of north american indians. southwest • 10 • Published In 1983 • Pages: 502-505

By: Gill, Sam D..

Abstract
This article presents an abbreviated summary of Navajo origin myths, neglecting variation in favor of describing common elements. The myths detail the journey upwards through different underworlds to the present plane of existence, and account for the creation of all things in the Navajo world. Analysis of the role of myth in Navajo society is distinctly secondary and only minimally addressed. Nonetheless, the article does successfully convey a sense of myth as paradigm for Navajo life.
Subjects
Representative art
Cosmology
Mythology
Spirits and gods
culture
Navajo
HRAF PubDate
2004
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
essay
Evaluation
Creator Type
Unknown
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Richard A. Wagner ; M. A. Marcus ; 1985
Field Date
no date
Coverage Date
not specified
Coverage Place
southwestern United States
Notes
Sam D. Gill
For bibliographical references see 197: Brugge (p. 780-839)
LCCN
77017162
LCSH
Navajo Indians