Navajo Native Americans
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Navajo Native American History
Navajo Native American tribe of North America of Athabascan stock, living on reservations in Northeastern Arizona and contiguous parts of New Mexico and Utah. They are closely related to the Apache and originally emigrated from areas north of their present habitat. It is thought that they settled in the southwest during the 16th century. By the 17th century the Navajo had become a pastoral people, with an economy based largely on herding and hunting.
Navajo Native American History
The Navajo came into conflict with the Spanish colonists and the Mexicans during the 18th and early 19th centuries. Although their first treaty with the Spanish was limited, it was important the Spanish introduced horses, sheep, and goats, which became a vital part of the Navajo economy. In 1846 the Navajo made their first treaty with the US government, but disagreements with American troops led to hostilities by 1849. The tribe engaged in chronic warfare with the American until 1863. In that year the US forces under Kit Carson waged an extended campaign against the Navajo, eventually capturing some 8000 of them. These Native Americans were sent on foot to a reservation at Fort Sumner in New Mexico. This forcible deportation is known in Navajo history as the "Long Walk." On the Reservation, the tribe suffered severe hardships from disease and crop failure , and they were attacked by other Native Americans. A new treaty with the US government was signed in 1868, and the surviving Navajo were allowed to go back to a reservation set aside in their former territory and were provided with sheep and cattle. In return, the tribe agreed to live in peacec with the American settlers. In 1884 the reservation was extended to accommodate their increasing herds. During the late 19th century the tribe prospered, the population doubled, and additional land was added. Since this was generally poor farming land, few attempts were made by outsiders to encroach on the reservation. Greatly increased livestock holdings presented serious problems of soil erosion and overgrazing. Eventually a livestock-reduction plan was forced on the tribe by the US government. During World War Two many Navajos left the reservation to serve in the armed forces or work in the cities in war-related jobs.
Navajo Customs and Religion
The Navajo tribe is divided in more than 50 clans, and descent is traced through the female line. The Navajo must marry outside their clan. An extended family unit is still the norm, with a whole range of responsibilities among relatives. Although modern housing is available on the reservation, many Navajo still build and live in traditional Hogans. These are conical houses of logs covered with earth, which have a smoke hole at the top and are entered through a short, covered passage. Traditional Navajo religion includes the worship of the winds and watercourses and of a number of gods who are believed to intervene occasionally in human affairs. These gods are frequently invoked; offerings are made to them, and ceremonial dances are performed in which they are represented by painted and masked men. Songs, chants, prayers, and sand paintings also from part of the complicated religious rituals, and a large body of mythology exists.
Navajo Contemporary Life
The Navajo economy is based on the sustenance provided by herds of sheep and goats, some cattle and horses, and employment in various jobs. The Navajos also make pottery and :baskets and are well known for their silver jewelry and fine durable blankets. By the mid 20th century, oil production and the discovery of rich mineral deposits on reservation lands had greatly enhanced their economy. At present the Navajo are the largest Native American tribe in the U.S. with approximately 160,000 members. Their population is growing at an extraordinary rate, and this growth is likely to put great pressure on the traditional Navajo economy. Their reservation lands total more than 6 million acres. It is estimated at about $50 million from oil and gas leases as well as income from mineral and forest resources.
