Tribal lands, NM and AZ, Part 1: Navajo. March and April 2016

This is another one of my "catch up" posts.  We traveled trough various tribal lands at different times during the months of March and April.  This is a brief summary of our experiences and impressions.  Keep in mind that this is a huge topic.  We were eager to  learn more about the history, culture, arts and crafts of the US indigenous people and what we saw and learned just barely grazes the surface.

In the US, there are 562 federally recognized tribes.  According to the website http://www.discovernavajo.com/things-to-know.aspx "The Navajo Nation is the largest tribe with a population of approximately 300,000+, living on the reservation and some living in the urban areas of the United States.  The land base of the Navajo Reservation covers 27,000 square miles of beautiful land extending into the states of Utah, Arizona and New Mexico. Here, you can sometimes step back in time and see how the ancient ones - the Anasazi people (Navajo Ancestors), lived thousands of years ago."  

A good introduction to the Navajo nation for us was the Navajo Interactive Museum in Tuba City, AZ.  The museum visit starts with a film about the Navajo Creation story.  "The Navajo people, the Diné, passed through three different worlds before emerging into this world, The Fourth World, or Glittering World. The Diné believe there are two classes of beings: the Earth People and the Holy People. The Holy People are believed to have the power to aid or harm the Earth People. Since Earth People of the Diné are an integral part of the universe, they must do everything they can to maintain harmony or balance on Mother Earth."  For more about Navajo beliefs, see http://www.discovernavajo.com/navajo-culture.aspx

Following the film, we toured the excellent displays inside and outside the museum.  The first thing one sees is a traditional "hogan" or Navajo home.  

"There is good in harmony - the harmony of the Navajo with the universe and all living creatures on earth.   When he lives in accordance with the universe, he can expect the wealth of a clean soul that protects the whole being from the evil that preys upon his sacred dwellings. The Hogan is built in the manner of this harmony.  The roof is in the likeness of the sky.  The walls are in the likeness of the Navajo's surroundings: the upward position of the mountains, hills, and trees.  And the floor is ever in touch with the "earth mother". 

"The Hogan is comprised of white shell, abalone, turquoise, and obsidian, bringing the home and the sacred mountains into one sacred unit.  The home is also adorned with the dawn, the blue sky, the twilight and the night - the sun in the center as the fire."

There are several historical panels explaining the ancient roots and traditions of the Navajo and other indigenous people.  One is reminded of the brutality and unfairness of the conquering Spanish and other white settlers who stole land, murdered countless numbers of people, brought diseases and treated the first Nations people as lesser beings and slaves.

Here are three panels which I found particularly moving:

The first two illustrate in just a few words the difference in outlook about land and worldview between indigenous and colonial people.

The third is a grim and sobering reminder of the purpose of residential schools...

 There are several exhibits about Navajo artistic endeavors.  Many of the traditional arts and crafts are nurtured today and there are incredibly beautiful examples of rugs, pottery, silver jewelry, sculptures and baskets on display and for sale.