Navajo Culture Essay

1802 Words8 Pages
Navajo Culture Janeth Mendiola ANT 101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology Instructor Henninger March 4, 2013 Navajo Culture The Navajo culture has existed for many years. In order to relate and understand this culture we need to learn about their primary mode of subsistence. Once we have identified and learned their mode of subsistence we will discuss how it influences their beliefs and values, their gender relations, and their methods of sickness and healing within this culture. As we begin to learn about these factors and attribute that directly influence the mode of subsistence, we will learn that even if time goes by and changes happen some values and traditions remain. First, we will discover the Navajo’s primary mode of subsistence and then relate it to other aspects of their culture. The Navajo’s primary mode of subsistence is Pastoralism. Pastoralism is defined as, “food-production strategy based on care of herds of domesticated animals and use of animals for food” (Nowak & Laird, 2010). The Navajo’s culture use pastoralism as their primary mode of subsistence by raising their own agriculture and livestock. At the beginning, their focus was raising sheep and goats; they later incorporated horses that were used to direct their flock to new grazing areas. The horses where also used to help them hunt for food and a means of commerce. Their agriculture consisted of harvesting beans, squash, corn, and tobacco. As time passed, they instill the weaving, jewelry, and their means of self-sufficiency. Due to their mode of subsistence, the Navajos lived within small groups. They have built their own homes and almost lived a nomadic life. Homes were designed and built easily and quickly for they moved often. The Navajos reside in New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado areas. They are part of a tribe, which is a group of
Open Document