Book

The autobiography of a Papago woman

American Anthropological Association (46) • Published In 1936 • Pages: ii, 64

By: Chona, Maria.

Abstract
This document comprises the life history of Maria Chona, a 90-year-old Papago woman who was the author's chief informant and aide while in the field. The information in her story concerns mainly the period of 1850 to about 1900. It covers, in addition to the day-to-day life of the people, many of the culturally significant values and activities of the Papago: shamanism, the cure of the sick, song-making, and warfare. The narrative is 'an Indian story told to satisfy whites rather than Indians,' with repetition minimized and emotional responses spelled out. Accuracy and thoroughness are, however, the primary virtues of the work. References to 'wild women,' i.e. wantons, have been placed in category 836. Underhill received her graduate training at Columbia University under Franz Boas and is an acknowledge authority on the Papago.
Subjects
Life history materials
Shamans and psychotherapists
Magical and mental therapy
Revelation and divination
Instigation of war
Aftermath of combat
Puberty and initiation
Music
Organized ceremonial
culture
O'odham
HRAF PubDate
2010
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Timothy J. O'Leary ; 1958; John Beierle; 2010
Field Date
1931-1935
Coverage Date
1850-1900
Coverage Place
Southwest Arizona, United States
Notes
by Ruth Underhill
[Chona] Papago woman
LCCN
37022775
LCSH
Tohono O'odham women