Navajo arts often focus on the ability to weave rugs. This talent is known the world over because of the unique aesthetic qualities that are in the final product. The stylistic changes that become incorporated into each piece come from teachings that were…
Navajo Food
The eating culture of the Navajo people receives significant influences from its history. Many of the traditional New World foods, including potatoes,…
Navajo Culture
The number 4 is an integral component of Navajo culture. The Dinè people believe that their community passed through three different worlds before they…
Navajo Tools
The Navajo Nation is widely known for their artistic crafts and creativity. Numerous craftspeople create beautiful silver jewelry, rugs, and patterned blankets as a primary source of income for themselves. Across the generations, the hunters and gathers would…
Navajo Environment
The Navajo people chose to settle in the southwestern part of the United States, with their Nation occupying territory in three states: Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. It is the largest land area that a Native American tribe was able to retain through negotiations…
Navajo Wedding Vase Story
The Navajo wedding vase story is similar to that of many tribal cultures. The vase is a special vessel, intended for wedding ceremonies, as its use helps to create the beginning of a relationship were two become one. Unlike the traditional vase design, there…
Navajo Education History
Since the Treaty of 1868, the U.S. government has taken on the responsibility of educating the Navajo people. Reports that date back to 1928 show that failures have occurred on education policies. In-depth reports from 1969 and 1980 also note how the Bureau…
Navajo Government History
When European settlers began to explore the expansive lands of North America, the Navajo people already had a thriving culture in the Colorado Plateau. This region, which is now called the Four Corners because of how four U.S. states come together, would serve…
Navajo Chants
The Navajo people have a complex system of ceremonial activities and gatherings which they follow. Some are classified as “rites,” while others are labeled as a “chant.” To distinguish rites from chants, a rattle is used as an instrument during the…
Navajo Names
In the Navajo tradition, names have great power. Navajo names are so precious, in fact, that they are usually reserved for use during ceremonies. Over the course of an average day, each person is referred to as their role in the family. “Son, go find Father,”…