By Kristy McCaffrey
The Navajo have been located in the Four Corners region of
the American Southwest since the 12th century. Primarily hunters and gatherers,
they were forced to fight—along with many other Indian tribes—the progression
of the white population during the early 1800’s, which eventually led to the
Long Walk. This arduous journey, which encompassed well over 50 separate treks
led by the U.S. Army to the Bosque Redondo in New Mexico Territory, occurred
from 1863 to 1866.
The accounts of death by starvation, sickness, or violence
left an indelible trauma on the people. Although they were allowed to return to
their land in 1868, they would never forget this painful period of their
history.
Navajo lore states that a skinwalker is a man (occasionally
a woman) who has gained supernatural powers that allow them to assume an animal
form, usually a coyote, wolf, owl, fox, or crow. Such individuals practice evil
over good, choosing to curse others rather than heal. It is believed that
skinwalkers have the ability to steal the “skin” or body of another person.
Because of this, most Navajo avoid the use of bear, coyote, wolf and cougar
pelts, instead preferring sheepskin or buckskin.
For illnesses and other maladies, it is customary to consult a Navajo medicine man. A typical ceremony lasts for four days, and involves chants and
specific herbs that have been collected for the patient. Sometimes a sand
painting is utilized, which is later destroyed. The premise of the work of the medicine
man is to restore balance to an individual’s spirit.
Known for their weavings, Navajo textiles are highly
regarded and have been traded for over 150 years. Initially, weavings were used
for cloaks, saddle blankets, sashes and other similar items, but after the
1880’s the Navajo began making them for tourists. Strong geometric patterns are
an earmark of their work.
During World War II, Navajo Code Talkers were employed to
confuse the enemy. Navajos were inducted and trained in the U.S. Marine Corp
and placed on the front lines. The code was never broken.
Today, the Navajo are the largest federally recognized tribe
of the United States.
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| The traditional Navajo home is a hogan, an 8-sided dwelling with a doorway always facing east toward the sunrise. |
Don't miss Kristy's historical western romance novel, Into The Land Of Shadows, which features
several Navajo characters.
In the land of the
Navajo, spirits and desire draw Ethan and Kate close, leading them
deeper into the shadows and to each other.
For more info, visit Kristy's website.
Works Cited
Wikipedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Navajo_people>.
Wikipedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin-walker>.
Iverson, Peter. Diné:
A History of the Navajos. University of New Mexico Press, 2002.
Photo Credits
www.crystalinks.com
http://captivatedby.com/four-corners-four-states/
http://mprofaca.cro.net/navajo.html
Shutterstock
Shutterstock
