The Peyote Religion Among the Navaho

Description

Author: Aberle, David F.  (1918-2004)

Publisher: Wenner-Gren Foundation for Anthropological Research

Pub  Date: 1966

Binding: Paperback (stiff paper boards)

Condition: Fair.  Binding tight.  No tears, folds.  Previous owner’s name on inside front cover.  Front cover bowing.  Smudging to ftont cover.  Smudging to bottom text block.  Some edge and corner wear.

Notes: Subscribers’ edition, Viking Fund Publications in Anthropology Number Forty-Two.   Investigations conducted between 1949 and 1953.  The use of peyote is considered a sacrament by “some” Navajo, members of the Native American Church of North America.  Aberle estimated (in 1964) that 80% of the Navajo were non- or anti- “peyotist.”  “…let me say here that in my opinion the Native American Church of North America and its branches on the Navajo Reservation do not constitute a threat to the health, safety, welfare, or morality of the Navajo Tribe…equity demands that the Native American Church be given that protection of freedom of worship normal in the larger society and written in the Bill of Rights.” (from the Preface)   Peyote use apparently began with the Navajo in the 1930’s. Today, there are three types of religious beliefs among the Navajo–traditional (Corn Pollen), church religion, and Native American Church, and the use of peyote is more widely accepted.  Members of the NAC can often be identified by their colorful beads, belts, belt buckles, etc., and peyote ceremonial items can be found at flea markets.  Navajo radio (KNDN) also plays peyote songs.  Includes a black-and-white photo section on the peyote ceremony.