Ceremonial of Hasjelti Dailjis and Mythical Sand Painting of the Navajo Indians

Name: Ceremonial of Hasjelti Dailjis and Mythical Sand Painting of the Navajo Indians
Author: James Stevenson

By James Stevenson

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About This Book

The author provides a detailed ethnographic account of a nine-day Navajo healing ceremonial called Yebitchai, recording the construction of the medicine lodge, the roles of personators and sweat houses, the making of masks, sacred reeds and prayer sticks, and the step-by-step sand paintings and rites performed on each day. The narrative interleaves ritual descriptions with collected myths that explain the gods and supernatural beings involved, including origin stories such as the creation of the sun. Illustrations and notes compare ceremonial elements and material paraphernalia with neighboring Pueblo practices while emphasizing the communal, theatrical, and curative aspects of the rites.

About the Author

James Stevenson

James Stevenson was an American ethnologist and researcher known for his contributions to the study of Native American cultures, particularly those of the Southwestern United States. He served as an ethnologist for the Bureau of Ethnology, where he documented various aspects of Indigenous life and practices. His notable works include "Ceremonial of Hasjelti Dailjis and Mythical Sand Painting of the Navajo Indians," which explores Navajo rituals and art forms. Stevenson's detailed catalogues, such as the "Illustrated Catalogue of the Collections Obtained from the Indians of New Mexico and Arizona in 1879," provide valuable insights into the artifacts and cultural practices of Native American tribes during the late 19th century.