book chapter

Blessingway

University of Arizona Press • Tucson • Published In 1970 • Pages:

By: Wyman, Leland Clifton.

Abstract

Wyman was entrusted with editing the unpublished manuscripts and field notes of Father Berard Haile on the Blessingway myths and songs. Father Haile lived and worked as a missionary among the Navajo for 54 years beginning in 1900. He recorded three versions of the Blessingway myths from three informants, Slim Curly from Crystal, New Mexico; Frank Mitchell, from Chinle Arizona; and River Junction Curly, also from Chinle, Arizona. This document only contains the introduction to the interlinear translated texts. The Blessingway is the backbone, precursor, and sine qua non of all Navajo ceremonials, and one could argue, by extension, the Navajo way of life. It is concerned with peace, harmony, and all good things. Unlike most 'chantways' the Blessingway is not a curing ceremony, although it provides them with most of their components. It is the rite that controls all others, insuring their effectiveness. Among its many purposes are to obtain blessings for one's possessions, life cycle events, and, in general, long life and happiness. Wyman discusses the various components of the Blessingway including major mythic motifs, dry paintings, cosmology, and medicine bundles.

HRAF PubDate

2004

Region

North America

Sub Region

Southwest and Basin

Document Type

book chapter

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

Ian Skoggard ; 2003

Field Date

not specified

Coverage Date

1930-1932

Coverage Place

Arizona and New Mexico, United States

Notes

[by] Leland C. Wyman. With three versions of the myth recorded and translated from the Navajo by Berard Haile

Includes bibliographical references (p. 635-637)

LCCN

66028786

LCSH

Navajo Indians