The reference books listed in this section provide information about various aspects of Navajo traditions and culture. Content includes narratives/stories, summary information with illustrations, ceremonial/religious/artistic information and illustrations, and cultural taboos. All books are in English.
Amá Sani dóó Achei baahane
Collection of narratives and stories that provide the reader with a look into many different aspects of Navajo culture and traditions, including legends, games, ceremonies, mythology, marriage, education, celebrations, and more. The variety and amount of information presented makes this book a valuable resource for those interested in learning about Navajo culture and traditions.
Jackson, Sylvia, et al. Amá Sani dóó Achei baahane ́. Window Rock, AZ: The Office of Diné Culture, Language, and Community Services, 2005. Print. [E99 .N3 A43 2005. Location: SJC West, SJC West Reference]
Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes
Simple-to-read encyclopedia that summarizes the historical record and discusses present-day tribal affairs and issues of over two hundred North American tribes, including the Navajo. Also includes information on culture and traditions, such as diet, housing, transportation, clothing, art, and rituals. Helpful illustrations are included as well [GoodReads, Google Books].
Waldman, Carl. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. New York: Checkmark Books, 2006. Print.
[E76.2 .W35 2006. Location: SJC Reference]
A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings
Provides an introduction to the religious images created by Navajo medicine men as part of their traditional healing ceremonies and describes the history and development of this healing art. More than sixty sandpaintings, along with the legends surrounding each, are included. Also explains how contemporary artists honor the traditions of their elders while breaking new ground for this fascinating art form [Amazon].
Bahti, Mark, and Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe. A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings. 2nd ed. Tucson, AZ: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2000. Print.
[E99.N3 G85 2000. Location: Salmon Ruins Library]
Navajo Taboos
Provides insight into traditional Navajo beliefs and culture. Originally collected by Navajo students and published by the Navajo tribe. Bulow, who later organized/interpreted these taboos, has spent his entire life among southwest tribes, including the Navajo. Subjects include lightning, wild animals, pregnancy, ghosts, witchcraft, legends, folk tales, food and water protection, and more. Many Navajos still take these taboos very seriously [Amazon].
Bulow, Ernie. Navajo Taboos. Gallup, NM: Buffalo Medicine Books, 1991. Print.
[E99.N3 B8 1991. Location: SJC Locked Case, SJC Southwest Reference, SJC Southwest Room, SJC West Reference, Salmon Ruins Library]
Amá Sani dóó Achei baahane
Collection of narratives and stories that provide the reader with a look into many different aspects of Navajo culture and traditions, including legends, games, ceremonies, mythology, marriage, education, celebrations, and more. The variety and amount of information presented makes this book a valuable resource for those interested in learning about Navajo culture and traditions.
Jackson, Sylvia, et al. Amá Sani dóó Achei baahane ́. Window Rock, AZ: The Office of Diné Culture, Language, and Community Services, 2005. Print. [E99 .N3 A43 2005. Location: SJC West, SJC West Reference]
Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes
Simple-to-read encyclopedia that summarizes the historical record and discusses present-day tribal affairs and issues of over two hundred North American tribes, including the Navajo. Also includes information on culture and traditions, such as diet, housing, transportation, clothing, art, and rituals. Helpful illustrations are included as well [GoodReads, Google Books].
Waldman, Carl. Encyclopedia of Native American Tribes. New York: Checkmark Books, 2006. Print.
[E76.2 .W35 2006. Location: SJC Reference]
A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings
Provides an introduction to the religious images created by Navajo medicine men as part of their traditional healing ceremonies and describes the history and development of this healing art. More than sixty sandpaintings, along with the legends surrounding each, are included. Also explains how contemporary artists honor the traditions of their elders while breaking new ground for this fascinating art form [Amazon].
Bahti, Mark, and Eugene Baatsoslanii Joe. A Guide to Navajo Sandpaintings. 2nd ed. Tucson, AZ: Rio Nuevo Publishers, 2000. Print.
[E99.N3 G85 2000. Location: Salmon Ruins Library]
Navajo Taboos
Provides insight into traditional Navajo beliefs and culture. Originally collected by Navajo students and published by the Navajo tribe. Bulow, who later organized/interpreted these taboos, has spent his entire life among southwest tribes, including the Navajo. Subjects include lightning, wild animals, pregnancy, ghosts, witchcraft, legends, folk tales, food and water protection, and more. Many Navajos still take these taboos very seriously [Amazon].
Bulow, Ernie. Navajo Taboos. Gallup, NM: Buffalo Medicine Books, 1991. Print.
[E99.N3 B8 1991. Location: SJC Locked Case, SJC Southwest Reference, SJC Southwest Room, SJC West Reference, Salmon Ruins Library]