Culture and the ‘white man’ influence

The Navajo Native American Indians were indigenous tribes that originate from Arizona or southwest. Through much investigating they concluded that first clan of the Navajo created by the gods in Arizona or Utah 500 years ago; originally named Diné also known as "the people". And even after being placed in a reservation they are one of the few Indian tribes still growing. Over time the Navajos were influenced by the Spanish when it came to the way they herd sheep. With European inventions it made their work less laborious. They herded their sheep with machine made cloths and machines. They also raised corn, beans, squash, and melons. These jobs were put in charge by the men. They were stereotypically not lazy and would spend their days cultivating crops, herding cattle and fetching water with springs or streams nearest to them; which sometimes was around 5 miles away. Inventions by the 'white man' made their cultivating a little easier.

Comparatively women had a higher position and influence among the Navajos. They are the sole manager of their abode. Which is name the Hogan; a small home “made out of logs branches grass and earth.” They are so low that the average man could not stand inside. They also had cooking duties where they made their child observe at a young age to catch up on things and then eventually help. They were specialized in creating meals that had the basis of corn such as corn meals. But instead of serving it in crude pottery like usual they were influenced by the Spanish to begin using metal pots and inexpensive dishes. This shows that the Spanish had influences in their cooking techniques and serving. 

  

The children had pets of all kind and that was usually their source of entertainment. They used them for companionship and as their toy. But they Europeans would say things such as “this boy is too young to have acquired the patience which we associate with his race" to create a negative stigma around the Navajo children. Despite that the children still played with their pets but now it was seen negatively. As they got to the age of seven or eight the children start to learn the methods in which their ancestors used to sustain themselves. For boys they started learning archery and began to ride horses in order to learn how to herd sheep and gain experience to own his own future flock. Even if they were sent to a boarding school their parents would take care of their sheep and when he comes back to the reservation he became a Shepard as his people have been for over 3 centuries. So the Spanish did not take away their culture but impeded in their traditions.

As a family they liked to go on trips to the trading post as a family outing.  The trader depended on his reputation for fair dealings and was licensed by the Indian bureau which is regulated by laws created by the Europeans. Creating a laws to regulate the Navajo trading systems shows how the Europeans used their imperialist powers to manipulate the Navajo's economics and trading. 

The Navajos were also known for their artistic side. They created silver jewelry that is still created similarly to this day. Silversmiths learned their art through the Spaniard but they were so good that they surpassed them and are considered to be the best silversmiths in the world. They also created created rugs and blanket designs that were world famous.  They created weaves made out of cotton and wool by first cleaning out the cotton or wool with a metal brush. The metal brush allowed for the excess dirt and grainy materials to come out and become clean. Afterwards they would use a spindle to create a long, and thin yarn-like string. Then they colored it and let it dry. At first they used plants and minerals as dye processors but they started to use man-made commercial dyes that were easier to use and the old techniques were forgotten.

Over the years the Navajo tribe has preserved most of their culture but they adapted to Eastern influence and molded it into their own. Not to say that the Europeans did them good by giving them machinery and inventions to help them cultivate but it did quicken the way they worked and introduced the manipulation of materials such as silver and bowls. The Spanish had a great impact on Navajo culture. 

The Navajo Indian
1945 Coronet Instructional Films https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6Ur-Jw66G4, accessed March 28, 2014

The Navajo Today
2004 The Navajo Nation http://www.navajobusiness.com/fastFacts/Culture.htm accessed March 28, 2014