The Navajo, or Navaho, constitute the largest
American Indian tribe in the United States; they numbered
about 162,500 in 1981. Their principal reservation covers
more than 62,000 sq km (24,000 sq mi) in northeastern
Arizona, northwestern New Mexico, and southeastern Utah. The
Navajo speak a language belonging to the Athabascan
linguistic family. Their name is derived from a Keresan
Indian word; they originally called themselves Dinneh
("the people").
In the traditional Navajo world view the universe is believed to contain hostile as well as friendly forces. If the universal harmony is disturbed, illness, death, or other disasters may result. The Navajo believe that all illness, physical or mental, has supernatural causes, which can only be ascertained by a rite of divination. To effect a cure the doctor-priest or singer (hatali) prescribes one of many Navajo chants; in addition, the patient is often placed during the curing ceremony on an elaborate and beautifully colored sand painting, which depicts events in the life of the supernaturals. Certain Navajo ceremonies involve the ritual consumption of peyote.
The traditional Navajo dwelling is the hogan, usually six- or eight-sided, constructed of logs, and covered with earth. The most important Navajo craft is weaving of fine rugs, learned from the Pueblo by 1700 and traditionally performed on upright looms by women. Also important is silversmithing, learned in the 19th century from Mexican smiths; typical craft objects include beautifully worked silver as well as turquoise jewelry often decorated with squash blossom symbols.
The discovery of natural gas, uranium, and other minerals on Navajo lands has helped to provide new sources of tribal income, but they are still among the poorest native American groups in the United States.
