Introduction
The Navajo Indians are Native Americans who live in states such as New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. In early history, the Navajo were hunters and gatherers. The tribe also adopted crop and livestock farming as means of obtaining food. Crop production involved cultivation of corn, beans, and Squash. After contact with Spaniards, the Navajo began keeping sheep as a source of food and trade. The government recognizes the Navajo Indians as the second largest tribe with over 300,000 citizens as of 2015. Arizona and New Mexico have the highest population of The Navajo Indians. This paper discusses the Navajo Indians in terms of subjects such as; religion, rituals for death and birth, the role of men and women, how the tribe obtained food and shelter, and famous leaders of the tribe.
Religion
The Navajo believe in several gods and supernatural powers. The Sun God has twin sons. Also, other deities include the Monster Slayers and the Spider Woman. Supernatural powers are reflected in nearly all aspects of life such as reptiles, nature, animals, darkness, and Monsters. Deities can be summoned in certain ceremonies especially among masked dancers so that they can represent dancers in certain ceremonies. The exact religion of the Navajo cannot be described. However, a belief in gods and supernatural powers is a reflection that the Navajo believe in God (Everyculture, par. 1).
Religious beliefs are practiced by ‘singers’. Singers are men or women who have the power to perform in major ceremonies. These men and women are viewed as priests with skills and knowledge to be a singer in the society. Diviners also exist in the society. Diviners have a role in determining the source of illnesses or misfortunes affecting society members. Diviners also prescribe the best treatment for misfortunes and illnesses that affect society members.
Rituals for death and birth
Death rituals are based on burial customs. The Navajo believe that death should not be feared. The deceased was feared more than death since the society believes that the deceased can return to visit the living. The tribe also believes that an underworld exists as a place for the dead. When the dead go to the underworld, certain rituals should be performed so that they do not return to the world of the living.
One of the rituals involves non-contact with the death as well as not looking at the dead body. When a person is close to death, they were taken to a spate place and left to die. Furthermore, when a person dies at home, the home is destroyed. During burial, only two men are given the responsibility to bury the dead. The two men must not wear clothes when burying the dead. The two men smear their bodies with ash so that they are protected from evil spirits (Redmont, par. 4).
Birth rituals were based on women departing to a secluded place. Childbirth took place near a stream of water or a brook. Women members of the tribe were to accompany the pregnant women so that they could prepare a shelter with mats and coverings. The mother of the child was expected to take special care in relation to diet and behavior so that the child is protected from any harm. For instance, certain foods could not be given to a child because they would lead to disability or development of unwanted physical characteristics (Novajopeople.org).
Role of men and women
Men hunted for food. Hunting as part of the society ensured that men could hunt for animals, fruits, and vegetables so that they could feed the whole family. In addition, men were warriors as well as political leaders. The society was largely patriarchal whereby only men were allowed to be political leaders like chiefs. On the contrary, women farmed lands so that families could be sustainable in terms of agricultural products. Women also engaged in livestock rearing, cooking, and child care. A patriarchal society ensured that women remained at home while men went hunting in the fields. In relation to artwork, women were not allowed to make jewelry. Only men had the power to make jewelry while women engaged in the weaving of rugs and making clay pots.
How did they get food, shelter, and water?
Sheep was a major source of mutton. Women as livestock keepers ensured that family members obtained mutton which was used as a delicacy. Faming as part of the tribe enabled the production of corn (Novajopeople.org). Corn stew and lamp were major food for the tribe. In particular, livestock rearing and farming were major sources of food. Since men engaged hunted, bush meat formed part of food sources for the tribe. In terms of shelter, men constructed dome-shaped houses for family members. The dome-shaped houses were necessary since environmental conditions were unsuitable for human living. High temperatures during summer and cold temperatures during the summer were controlled through the dome-shaped shelter.
In modern times, contaminated water at the Gold King Mine has prompted non-governmental organizations as well as the government to sent water to the Navajo citizens. Contamination of water has led to shutdown of well as water springs. As a result, organizations have sent bottled water so that water crisis is mitigated.
Famous leaders
Hery Chee Dodge served as the Navajo chairman from 1942 to 1946. Other leaders such as Lilakai Julian who served the tribe from 1946 to 1951, is viewed as the first elected woman to represent the Tribe at the Navajo Tribal council. Another famous leader in the Navajo is known as chief Manuelito (Novajopeople.org). Manuelito signed treaties with the United States government so that the Navajo could be allowed to return to their homeland. Manuelito also ensured that he represented the tribe in terms of negotiations that affected livestock, farm lands, schooling for children, and clothing stipend.
The Navajo tribe still exists up to today. As at the end of 2015, about 300,000 Navajo citizens still live in the United States. In particular, the federal government recognizes the Navajo tribe as the second largest tribe in the United States. Currently, the Navajo tribe lives in the Southwestern United States. Arizona and New Mexico are states with the highest number of Navajo citizens (Novajopeople.org).
Conclusion
The Navajo tribe was largely hunters and gatherers. Livestock and crop farming enabled the tribe to obtain food. In the current society, contamination of water sources has prompted the government and non-governmental organizations to send bottled water so that water crisis does not affect the life of the Navajo nation. Corn, beans, and mutton are some of the foods which are consumed in the traditional society. Patriarchy as part of the society ensured that men and women adopt different roles. Women remained at home while men engaged in war or hunting. Regarding religion, a belief in gods and supernatural powers was part of the Navajo tribe.
Works Cited
Everyculture, n.d. “Navajo – Religion and Expressive Culture.”
Jodee Redmont. “Navajo Burial Customs.” Lovetoknow.com, n.d.
Novajopeople. “Navajo Culture.” navajopeople.org.