title: SpiderWoman:AStoryofNavajoWeaversandChanters

author: Reichard,GladysAmanda.publisher: UniversityofNewMexico

isbn10|asin: 0826317936printisbn13: 9780826317933ebookisbn13: 9780585211404

language: Englishsubject NavajoIndians,Navajotextilefabrics.

publicationdate: 1997lcc: E99.N3R41997ebddc: 746.1/089/972

subject: NavajoIndians,Navajotextilefabrics.

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SpiderWoman

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ALoomStands

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SpiderWomanAStoryofNavajoWeaversandChanters

GladysA.ReichardIntroductionbyLouiseLamphere

"SpiderWomaninstructedtheNavajowomenhowtoweaveonaloomwhichSpiderMantoldthemhowtomake.Thecrosspolesweremadeofskyandearthcords,thewarpsticksofsunrays,thehealdsofrockcrystalandsheetlightning.Thebattenwasasunhalo,whiteshellmadethecomb.Therewerefourspindles;oneastickofzigzag

lightningwithawhorlofcannelcoal;oneastickofflashlightningwithawhorlofturquoise;athirdhadastickofsheetlightningwithawhorlofabalone;arainstreamerformedthestickofthefourth,and

itswhorlwaswitheshell."(NavajoLegend)

UniversityofNewMexicoPressAlbuquerque

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©1934byGladysA.Reichard.Introduction©1997bytheUniversityofNewMexicoPress.Allrightsreserved.Secondprinting,1998.

Reichard,GladysAmanda18931955.Spiderwoman:astoryofNavajoweaversandchanters/GladysA.Reichard.p.cm.Originallypublished:NewYork:Macmillan,1934.Withnewintrod.Includesbibliographicalreferencesandindex.ISBNo-8263-1793-61.NavajoIndians.2.Navajotextilefabrics.I.Title.E99.N3R4 1997746-1'089'972dc2096-43353CIP

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IntroductionGladysReichardopensSpiderWoman,herethnographyofNavajofamilylifeinthe1930s,withanaccountofherfirstvisittoWhite-Sands(Séíligai*).ShehascomewithRomanHubbell,thetraderatHubbell'sTradingPostinGanado,Arizona,knowninherbookbyhisNavajoname,OldMexican'sSon[Naakaiisáníbiye'],tolocateafamilytohelpherlearntoweave.Thepictureshepaintsoftheextendedfamilyresidenceisthatofanoutsider,allowingthereadertoviewNavajolifethrough"whiteeyes."Thereisthecluckofahengivingherselfa"dustbath,"ahordeofmongreldogs,andadescriptionofalargedome-shaped"hut"withacloseddoorandalockhanginglooseinitshasp.HubbellandReichardfindawomansittingatherloomweaving"adullthumpthump,thesoundofthecombpoundingfirmly,regularly,andrapidlytheyarnwhichisbecomingaNavajorug"(p.2).

HubbellandReichardknowthattheyshould"standrespectfullyatthedoorwayforatime"whilethewomancontinuestoweave,"thumpinghercomb,asifwedidnotexist,herwayofgreetingusrespectfully."ThisisthefirstindicationofadifferentsetofculturallyprescribedbehaviorsthatReichardwillintroducetous,Anglo-Americanreadersofthebook,whobeginasunfamiliarwithNavajocultureasReichardpresumablyis.

Asthischapterandthenextcontinue,weareintroducedtothemembersofthefamilyRedPointorMiguelitowhoisaNavajochanterorsinger(hataalii*),andhiswife,MariaAntonia,andtheirmarried

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daughters,Atlnaba(theweaverdescribedearlier),Marie(whoistobeReichard'steacher),andathirddaughterknownas"Yikadezba'smother"(whodoesnotliveintheWhiteSandsresidencegroup).

ThenextMondaymorningReichardmovesintothefamilystoragedugout,whichprovidesacoolroomwithenoughlightforweavingandaplaceforherbedrollandtrunk.SoonwelearnthatAtlnabaismarriedtoCurley'sSon,andMarieismarriedtohisbrotherTom.Bothsons-in-lawavoidandnever"see"theirmother-in-law,acustomwhichsomeNavajocontinuedtopracticeuntilthe1960s,butwhichisbeginningtochangeinthe1930sasReicharddescribesinherbook(seepp.13536).Duringtheafternoon,TomconstructsaloomforReichard,andMariehelpshertostringthewarpthreads.

Bytheendoftheday,Reichardsitsbacktoenjoyhersurroundings,anEasternerwhoneverlosesherenthusiasmforthebeautyoftheNavajoReservation.AlettertoElsieClewsParsonsechoesherfeelingsfortheSouthwestasdescribedonthatfirstdayatRedPoint'sresidencegroup(pp.1314):"IwantyoutoknowthatthereisakindofunexplainablebalmabouttheSouthwestyoudoubtlessknowitalready.Ifounditlastsummerandneededitevenmorethis.Thereisapeacewhichcomestousateveningwhentheairiscoolandthesunsets,themountainsbecomepurpleroseandbluewearehighincedarandpinoncountry,amostcomfortablesettingandnightsettlesdownwiththesheepinthecorralandthestarsandthemoonandtheair.MostpeoplewouldhatethequietitisquietbutIloveit.Itisthesortofthingsomewriters(afew)havegottenacross,butsomehowneedsexperiencing"(ECP:GRtoECP,7/6/30).

FromherearlycontactswiththeseNavajo,weseeReichard'srelationwithRedPoint'sfamilychange,andwithitourknowledgeofNavajodailylife.Bytheendofthebookwehavesharedtheceremoniesthat

RedPointhasperformedforfamilymembers,tripstothetradingpost,Na-

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vajotribalcouncilmeetings,sheepdips,andthedeathsofRedPoint'swifeandyoungestdaughter.

Asanethnographyoradescriptionofaculture,SpiderWomanisperhapsfiftyyearsaheadofitstime.Ethnographicdepictionsofthedailylivesof"native"peoplesreachedtheirclassicforminthewritingsofBronislawMalinowskiandMargaretMead.Bothpioneeredthisgenreof"scientificwriting"whichattemptstorecordthelifeofapeopleinasystematicanddistancedway.AsJamesCliffordhasdescribedthisstyle,observationsanddialoguegatheredinparticularplacesandatparticulartimesareassembledintoatextcontainingaunifiedvoice,thatoftheethnographerrepresentingbeliefs,practices,andbehaviorsofawholeculture(Clifford1988:3840).

SpiderWomanismuchmoreexperimental,usingtextualstrategiesthatarenowbecomingthevogueinanthropologyasethnographersattempttocreate"dialogictexts"thattrytocaptureconversationsbetweenoutsiderandnativeconsultantandthattakeaparticularpointofview.InSpiderWomanwearealwaysconsciousthatweareseeingtheNavajofromReichard'sstandpoint,thatofanEasternwhitewomanwhowantstounderstandNavajolifebutclearlyhasherownopinionsandprejudices.Thisisnotthedistanced,unifiedvoiceofanethnographerwhopresentsthebeliefs,practices,andbehaviorsofawholecultureandpronounces(usingtheethnographicpresent),"AmongtheNavajo,xisthecase."RatherweseeawiderangeofpeopleinteractingwithReichardandwitheachother.

Inthelasttenyears,anthropologists(seeCliffordandMarcus1986,Rosaldo1989)havecritiquedtheclassicethnographictextandcalledformoredialogicalapproaches.Likewise,severalcontemporaryfeminists(e.g.RuthBeharinherbiographyofaMexicanstreet

vendor,TranslatedWoman[1993]andLilaAbu-LughodinherethnographyofBedouinwomen[1993])haveexperimentedwithtextsthatincorporatetheirown

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presence,utilizedialogue,ordrawonthetape-recordednarrativesoftheirsubjects.InthistheyareadoptingtextualstrategiespioneeredbyReichardinSpiderWoman.

Reichard'sWorld:Anthropologyinthe1930s

BythetimeReichardarrivedatRedPoint'sresidencegroupinthesummerof1930,shewasathirty-seven-year-oldassistantprofessorofanthropologyatBarnardCollegeandhadconductedfieldresearchontheNavajoreservationforthreesummers.Thedaughterofarespectedsmall-townphysician,shewasofPennsylvaniaDutch(German)heritage,raisedasaQuaker.Aftergraduatingfromhighschool,shetaughtinacountryschoolfortwoyearsandthenreturnedtoherhometownofBangor,Pennsylvania,toteachforfourmoreyears.SheenrolledinSwarthmoreCollegeattheageoftwenty-twoandreceivedanA.B.degreein1919.Shehadintendedtobecomeadoctor,butinhersenioryear,afterhearingseverallecturesbyDr.SpencerTrotter,ananthropologisttrainedbyFranzBoas,sheenthusiasticallyconvertedtoanthropology.Inthefallof1919shereceivedaLucretiaMottFellowshiptoenterColumbiaUniversity.ReichardreceivedherM.A.in1920andherPh.D.in1925,bothfromColumbia.HerdissertationwasagrammaroftheWiyotIndiansofCalifornia,amongwhomshehaddonefieldworkin192223.

TheColumbiaAnthropologyDepartmentoftheearly1920srevolvedaroundFranzBoas,widelyknownasthe"father"ofAmericananthropology.Boasrejectedtheevolutionaryframeworksofnineteenth-centuryanthropologists.Hetookapositionofculturalrelativism,arguingthateachcultureshouldbejudgedonitsowntermsratherthanbysomeWesternstandard.Insteadofbuildinggrandexplanatoryschemesthatplacedthe"civilized"atthetopofanevolutionaryladderandthe"savages"atthebottom,Boasadvocated

empiricalresearchandcarefulde-

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scriptionasthebasisofanthropologyasascience.Heurgedhisstudentstostudyanddocumentthelanguages,materialcultures,socialorganizations,religiouspractices,andmythologiesofthevastarrayofNativeAmericancultureswhichhefeltwererapidlydisappearing.HisownmonographsandarticlesontheEskimoandtheKwakiutloftheNorthwestCoastwereexamplesofthekindofdescriptionBoasencouraged,downtothepagesdevotedtothedecorativedesignsofAlaskanneedle-cases(Boas1908)andhisaccountoftheKwakiutlWinterCeremonialin1895(Boas1966).

ReichardwasoneofanumberofwomenanthropologistswhowerepartofBoas'scircle.OthersincludedElsieClewsParsons,awealthyfeministwhobecameReichard'spatron,RuthBenedict,MargaretMead,RuthBunzel,andEstherGoldfrank.AllexceptMeadconductedsubstantialresearchintheSouthwest.

Bytheearly1920sgenderrolesinAmericansocietyweregrowingflexible.Therewasmuchlessemphasisonfemalechastityandchaperonageand,ofcourse,the"newwoman"ofthe1920sdroveacar,smokedinpublic,andworeshortskirts.ThischangeofgenderrolesmayhavesupportedtherecruitmentofwomentoanthropologyandeventuallytofieldworkintheSouthwest.By1930whenReichardwenttolivewithMiguelito'sfamily,itwasnotunusualforawomantodriveherowncarandconductfieldresearchonherown.Thoughwomenprofessionalsweregainingmoreacceptance,itwasstilldifficulttocombineworkandmarriage.AlthoughParsonsandMeadweremarriedforagoodpartoftheirprofessionallives,Benedictwasdivorced,andReichard,likeBunzelandUnderhill,remainedsingle.

Boaswasparticularlyprotectiveofhiswomenstudents,takingakindlypaternaliststancetowardthem.Reichardbecameaninstructor

atBarnardin1923,whileshewasstillworkingonherdissertation,ajobBoasarranged.ThusReichardreceivedthefirstpermanentjobheldbyanyofthewomenintheColumbiacircle.Boaswasespeciallyconcerned

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that,unlikeRuthBenedict,whowasstillmarried,Reichardhadnomaletosupporther.

ReichardwasalmostamemberoftheBoasfamily,livingattheBoashouseduringthewinterandengaginginfieldresearchduringthesummer.Remainingadaughterandcontinuingtolivewithagingparentsor,inthiscase,amentor,wasoneoftheacceptablestrategiesyoungwomenadoptedastheyenteredtheprofessions.In1931and1932duringthewintersbetweenthesecondandthirdsummersReichardspentwithRedPoint'sfamily,Boaswasbothdepressedandill,''witheringawayandwithnospiritatall."ReichardhauledBoasandhisbooksbackandforthfromdepartmenttohomeinhercaranddiscussedtheprogressofhisrecoveryinletterstoParsons(ECP:GR/ECP2/24/31;ECP:GR/ECP1/25/32).Asadevotedresidentinthehousehold,Reichardtooktheroleofsomeonewhocommunicatedhisemotionalandphysicalsituationtootherclosefriends,apositionwomenfrequentlyassumeinfamilies.Sheoftenpersonallyattendedtoheragingmentor'swishes,particularlythosethatpertainedtohiswork.

Sometimein1923,whenshewasthirty,ReichardbeganacloserelationshipwithPlinyEarleGoddard,curatorofethnologyattheAmericanMuseumofNaturalHistory.SheaccompaniedGoddardonafieldtriptotheNavajoreservationin1923andreturnedwithhimin1924and1925.ItispartofanthropologicalfolklorethatReichardhadanaffairwithGoddard,amucholdermarriedmanwithafamily.Certainlyshewasclosetohim,enjoyedherfieldworkwithhim,andcontinuedhisworkafterhisdeath.

Thesefirstsummersofresearch,aswellassubsequentfieldtrips,werefundedbyParsonsthroughherSouthwestSociety.Parsons'sroleofmentorandconfidantetoReichardemergesintheircorrespondence

andshowsthatParsonstookahandindirectingtheresearchaswellasfinancingit.Shesuggested,forexample,thatReichardvisitthePueblosandattendaNavajoFireDance,andsheencouragedGladysinher

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interestinstudyingNavajoclanshipandchieftaincy.Reichard'scontinuedintellectualdebttoParsons(aswellasherfinancialassistance)isacknowledgedinthededicationofSpiderWomantotheSouthwestSociety,thefoundationestablishedwithParsons'smoneythatfundedReichard'sresearch.

ReichardandGoddard,travelingtogether,usedwhatwerethentraditionalfieldtechniques.Theycoveredseveralcommunitieseachsummer,hiredaninterpreter,andworkedwithinformants,collectinggenealogies,dataonNavajoclans,kinterms,Navajonames,andfolklore.ThisapproachtofieldresearchwasquitedifferentfromherlaterexperiencelivingwithaNavajofamilyandlearningtoweave,whichisdescribedinSpiderWoman.Asaresultofthesethreefieldtrips,ReichardpublishedTheSocialLifeoftheNavajoIndians(1928).Butduringtheyearsfollowingthesesummertrips,herresearchtookherawayfromNavajostudies.Shespent192627inHamburg,Germany,onaGuggenheimFellowship,whereshestudiedMelanesiandesign.In1928shewenttoIdahotogatherdataonCoeurd'AlenegrammarfortheHandbookofAmericanIndianLanguages(Reichard1938).ThatyearPlinyGoddarddiedsuddenlyattheNewtown,Connecticut,housethatReichardowned.AsaresulttheirrelationshipcametotheattentionofDeanGildersleeveofBarnardCollege.Reichardmayhavebeenthreatenedwithdismissalandhaddifficultieswithpromotionsandbenefitslaterbecauseofthisincident.In1930,whenshereturnedtotheNavajoReservation,shewasatapointwheresheneededtobreakwithherpast,utilizeherexperiencesontheNavajoreservation,andtrysomethingnew.AsshesaidinherunpublishedmanuscriptAnotherLookattheNavajo,anumberoffactorsledtohernewapproachtofieldresearch.

IhadstartedthestudyofNavahosocialstructurebyaccident,thegenealogicalmethodbeingusedbymysponsor[Parsons].Afterworking

threesummersatthejob,itseemedthatIhadcometo

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knowagooddealaboutNavahoclans,linkedclans,marriageandrelatedabstractions,butlittleabouttheNavahothemselves.(Personalitywasnotlargelyusedatthistime).Iconcludedthatastudyofstructureisindispensableforanykindofsocialstudy,butthatisbynomeansenoughfortheunderstandingofbehavior,attitude,andmotivation...Iwasinterestedincraftsanddecidedthatlearningtoweavewouldbeawayofdevelopingthetrustofthewomen,aswellasoflearningtoweaveandtospeakthelanguage.BythisattemptIwouldputmyselfunderthefamilyaegis;myworkwouldatfirstdealprimarilywithwomen,andIcouldobservethedailyroundasaparticipant,ratherthanamereonlooker.(Reichardn.d.a:handwritteninsert,p.1)

ReichardmayhaveobtainedanassistantprofessorshipandtraveledtotheSouthwestbyherselftobeginherfieldresearch,butherexperienceswithDeanGildersleeveandherencountersin1930withFatherBerardHaile,aFranciscanmissionaryandethnographer,indicatethateventhegenderchangesofthe1920shadtheirlimits.FatherBerardhadbeenveryhelpfultoGoddardandReichardduringtheirtripsin1923and1924,probablyprovidingthemwithinterpretersandeveninformantsduringtheirstaysinLukachukaiwherehelived.AlthoughBerardwascriticalofReichard'sSocialLifeoftheNavajoIndians,hewasdownrightcondescendingwhenshewrotetohimduringthewinterof1930askingaboutasingerandfamilyshecouldlivewith.

Ithoughthehadmypointofview.Heanswersatlength&withgreatdetailsayinghedoesn'tthinkIknowenougheventowashbehindtheears!HoldsupMrs.ArmerasamodelofhowtodoworkamongtheNavajo!Evenmentionsanicehousewithcurtains,easyarmchair,etc.IguessexceptforlinguistichelpIcancounthimout.(ECP:GR/ECP2/24/37)

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HaileseemedtothinkthatayoungAnglo-Americanwomanwasincapableoflivingwithafamilyinrather"primitiveconditions."ShespentaweekintheearlysummerworkingwithHaile'sinterpreter,Albert"Chic"Sandoval,butgivenHaile'ssensethatsheneededaplacewith"windowcurtains,"ReichardwentontoGanadowithAnnMorristoasktraderRomanHubbell'sassistanceinfindingafamilytolivewith.ThisishowshewasintroducedtoRedPoint'sfamilyasdescribedinthefirstfewpagesofSpiderWoman.

RedPoint'sWorld

RedPoint,awell-knownsingerandtraditionalist,hadhadextensivecontactwiththewhiteworldbythetimeGladysReichardcametospendthesummermonthswiththefamily.HeandhiswifeanddaughtershadworkedforFredHarvey,demonstratingweavingfortourists.ThefamilytraveledtoSanFranciscoandSanDiegoforexhibitionsin1915,remaininginCaliforniaforthegreaterpartoftwoyears.Afterreturningtothereservation,RedPointapprenticedhimselftoanumberofsingers,learningseveralimportantNavajoceremoniesovertheyears.In1923heparticipatedinthededicationoftheElNavajoHotelinGallup(Parezo1983).MaryColter,whodesignedtheinterior,usedsandpaintingmotifsbasedonreproductionsbyRedPointandotherNavajosingers.

Reichard'svisitsduringthesummersof193033cameontheeveofatimeofgreatchangeontheNavajoReservation.JohnCollierbecameheadoftheBureauofIndianAffairs(BIA)in1932,andusheredinaneweraofU.S.Indianpolicy.TheNavajoReservationhadsufferedseveraldroughtyears,andrangelandseemedseriouslyovergrazed.CollierfeltstronglythattheNavajosneededtoreducethesizeoftheirherds.

In1930,theNavajohadalmostamillionsheepandover300,000

goats.ColliermetwiththeTribalCouncilinthefallof1933andgotthem

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toagreeinprincipletostockreduction,citingthedamagesoilerosionwasdoingtoBoulderDam.Thefirstsaleofsheepinearly1934resultedinonlyan8percentreductionintotalherdsize.ByJuly,theTribalCouncilagreedtoacceptthesaleof150,000goatsandupto50,000sheep.Thesale,inthefallof1934,wasbadlymismanaged."Agentsinsomeareas,"accordingtoAberle,"putheavypressureonowners,andoftenonsmallowners,tosell.Itprovedimpossibletodeliverallthegoatstotherailhead.SosomewereslaughteredandthemeatdriedandgivenbacktotheNavahos;otherswereshotandlefttorot;stillotherswereshotandpartlycrematedwithgasoline.[Inoneplace,3,500goatswereshotandleft.]TotheNavahosthiswastewasappalling,andtheattitudetowardtheirvaluedresourceswasincomprehensible.Criticismandopposition,especially,fromwomenowners,wasintense"(Aberle1966).StockreductionwasverymuchintheairduringthelastsummerofReichard'sstaywithRedPoint'sfamilyasdescribedinSpiderWoman.JustafterSpiderWomanends,Navajofamiliessufferedenormousdecline,particularlybetween1936and1940,whenthelargeherdswerereduced.Grazingdistrictswereestablishedandpermits(withamaximumherdsizebelowsubsistencelevels)weregivenouttoNavajofamilies.By1937,only8.5percentofallNavajolivestockownershadherdsthatcouldmeetfamilysubsistenceneeds(aflockof250forafamilyoffive).Theaverageherdacrossthereservationwas102sheepunitsperfamily,about18to22sheepunitspercapita,wellbelowthesubsistencelevelof4050percapita(Henderson1989:385).FromReichard'scorrespondencein1930,weknowthatRedPoint'sextendedfamilyownedthreeverylargeherdsofsheep;theyprobablylostalargeportionoftheirlivelihoodduringstockreduction(ECP:GRtoECP,7/6/30).

WhiteeducationandboardingschoolswerealsomakingimportantinroadsintoNavajolifeatthistime.SinceReichardtraveledtothe

reservationduringthesummers,weseelittleoftheimpactontheyoungchildreninRedPoint'sfamily,whomayormaynothavebeeninschool

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duringthewintermonths.JohnCurley(calledTallmaninSpiderWoman),whoappearsinseveralchapters,oftenexpressesAngloviewsandcomparesthedifferencesbetweenNavajobeliefandtheChristianreligion."HewasraisedPresbyterian,foryearshasbeenstraddlingontheedgeofgoingbacktoNavajo.He'doneso'lastwinterbymarrying(Navajoway)awomanfromBlackMtn.Whomhehadneverseen.Reverseassimilation!...Johnsaidhisrelativeshadbeencoaxinghimtomarryforalongtime....Sohefinallysaidtheyshouldpickhimoutawomanwithcertainqualifications,amongwhichwerethathewouldnotavoidhism-in-law.Ihaverunintothreecasesofitthisyear,thefirst."DuringtheweddingdescribedinChapter18,"hemadeaspeechattheweddingtothiseffectandthenewgroomisnotavoiding"(ECP:GRtoECP,7/9/32).Thedroppingofmother-in-lawavoidanceisjustoneofthemanychangesthatincreasededucationandmissionizationbroughttotheNavajoreservationduringthe1930s.

ReichardandNavajoCulture

InthefirstchaptersofthebookReichardisabsorbedwithlearninghowtoweave.ThosewhowishtounderstandhowNavajorugsaremadewillespeciallywanttoattendtothesechapters(Chapters3,5,6,7,9,10,12,13,14).TheyarealsoofinterestbecausetheymakeclearthatNavajolearningisquitedifferentfromthatofwhiteculture.LikemostbeginningweaversReichardwasinstructedtomakearugofstripes.Hersecondrug,however,wasanintricatedesignwithatrianglerunningtowardthecenterandbacktowardtheedges(seepp.50,7072).Inmyownexperienceoflearningtoweaveduringthe1960s,Idiscoveredthatdiagonallinesaremuchmoredifficultthanthe"stairstep"patternstypicalofTwoGreyHillsrugs.

Reichard'steacher,Marie,however,wasperfectlywillingtofollow

her

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pupil'swishesandhelpReichardweavethecomplexdesignshewanted.Reichard,however,couldnotfigureouthowtomakeadiagonallinejustbywatchingMarie.Navajoslearnbywatching.Thestudentobservessomeonedoingataskuntilshehasmasteredthedetailsandfeelsshecantryitherself.WeAngloswantclearinstructions.Inthecaseofweaving,weneedtobeabletocounttheprecisenumberofwarpthreadsusedwithacertaincolorand,aboveall,tobeabletowriteitalldown.Reichard'sfrustrationwithherownabilitytolearnsimplyjustbywatchingandthewaysinwhichshefinallyfiguredouthowtoachieveaparticularwoveneffectarewelldescribedinChapter10,pages7273.

Reichard,however,clearlyenjoyedthechallengesofweaving."IspendmanyhoursadayweavingandtherestworkingonNavajo.Ihaveneverbeensointriguedbyajobasbythisone,forafterallgatheringgenealogieswasabore,secondtononeIknowofexceptrecordingtexts!Theweavingisafoilforthelanguagestudy.AtsuppertimeIsuddenlyrealizeIamsotiredIcanhardlymoveandittookmetwoweekstofiggerwhy.ThenIrealizedthatwen[sic]atmygiddiestIhaveneverworked12hr.withhardlyabreak.Butitisonlyahealthywearinessandresultsareasatisfaction"(ECP:GRtoECP,7/6/30).

Bytheendofherfirstsummer,Reichardhasworkedonthreerugs,completelyfinishinghersmallthirdonesothatshefeltshecouldweaveonherown.ShewrotetoParsons,"Ihadgrandiosenotionsofgivingyouthisone[herfirstrug]butnowIammorehumble.Youwouldn'thaveitaroundtheplace,andIthinkI'llhangitinmyofficeasanillustrationofthewayarugoughtnottobemade"(ECP:GRtoECP,7/6/30).Afewmonthslater,shefeltthatitwas"advisabletokeepthethreeImadeasalearner'sexhibit.Iprobablywouldn'thavelearnedsomuchhadImadefewermistakes.Asitis,Ilearnedahell

ofalot!"(ECP:GRtoECP,12/30/30).

Theaccountofthedetailsofweavingarebrokenupbyatriptothewelltodyeyarn,descriptionsofRedPoint'ssandpaintingdesigns,atrip

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toaNavajoCouncilmeeting,andaheavyrainstorminwhichlightninghitRedPoint'ssheepherdandatornadotoreoutalocaldiversiondam.Attheendofthesummershereported,"TheNavajotripisoverandniceitwas.ImaynotknowmorefactsabouttheNavajohardlytrue!butatleastIunderstandthemalotbetter.TheonlythingIcoulddoto'belong'morewouldbetobeinitiatedwhichmeanstobelongceremonially.OtherwiseIamtheirs"(ECP:GRtoECP,9/13/30.)

Reichardresumedherweavingduringthesecondsummer(1931)."WehadablanketintheloomtheseconddayIgothere.AndalthoIwepttearswhenItookmylastoneoutlastyear,IwasabletoweaveatoncewhenIarrivedthis[time].AndsofarIdonotthinktherugiscrawlinguptightonme!Butthereissomuchtolearn!Ishan'tbehappynowuntilIlearntodyewoolinthenaturalcolors.ThereisquitearevivalofthatherenowandIthinkIcangetawomantoteachme.ButyouseeIamspendingmosttimeonthelanguage"(ECP:GRtoECP,7/11/31).Reichard'sprogressinweaving,asheepdip,andothereventsarebrieflydescribedinChapters1417.

Reichard'sthirdsummergivesusmuchmoreinsightintoNavajoreligion(Chapters1825).MuchofthissectionofthebookistakenupwithherexperienceswhenRedPointperformsaShootingWayCeremonyforhisdaughterandgranddaughter,MarieandNinaba.ReichardgivesusperhapsthemostdetailedandunderstandableaccountofaNavajoceremony,notonlydiscussingwhatshesawandheard,buthowitrelatestoNavajotheoriesofillnessandhealthandhowitfitsintothecontextofreallives.

ReichardisambivalentaboutthechangescomingtotheNavajoduringthe1930s.Ontheonehand,shecherishesthetraditionalismof"herfamily"andrailsagainstthedamagesheseeswhitesociety

visitingonNavajoculture.Ontheother,sheisactiveinbringingaboutchangeherself.OftenshedoesnotrecognizeherownroleinthelargerU.S.economyandsocietythatisthevehicleforchange.Shedisparagesthe

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Kinni's-Sons,afamilythatlivesinThoreau,nearGallup,NewMexico."Thesepeopleliveneartherailroad.Theyhavebeenexploitedforyearsbywhitepeople.Theyareonthedefensiveagainstexploitation,buttheyreallyhavenodefense."ThewifeseemscontenttohelpReichardlearnhowtoweavedouble-sidedsaddleblankets,atricky,complexprocess,acceptingReichard'sofferforpayment.Kinni's-Son,however,feelsthatReichard"oughttopaymywifealargesumforhavingherteachyou"since"youwillteachthewhitewomentoweavesothattheNavajowomenwon'tbeabletoearnmoneyanymore"(p.216).ReichardoftenfailedtoseeherselfaspartofthewhiteworldandasassociatedwiththesystemshesawashavingsuchanegativeimpactontheNavajo.ThusitwasmuchmoredifficultforhertosympathizewithKinni's-son'spointofview(thatshemightbeabletoexploitNavajowomen)andmucheasiertoidentifywithRedPoint,thetraditionalNavajoceremonialist(whoalsowassympathetictowhites).ReichardexpectsKinni's-Son'swifetoprovideherwithgreyyarnandthencomplainswhenthegreyyarndoesnotmatchandthewhiteisdirty.ReichardchalkstheseproblemsuptolackofstandardsonthepartofKinni's-Son'swiferatherthanconsideringthatshemightbemakingimpossibledemandsonafamilythatislesswelloffthanRedPoint's.

Reichardoftendeploredtheuselessnessofwhiteboardingschooleducation(whichduringthisperiodtaughtgirlshowtocook,clean,andperformotherhouseholdchoressotheycouldbecomedomesticsinAnglohomes)(seeReichardn.d.b).ShecriticizedtheimpactofmissionariesandthebunglingoftheBIAbureaucracy.Ontheotherhand,shesoughtwaysinwhichNavajoscouldbetterintegrateintothelargerU.S.society.ShetaughtNavajoadultstowriteintheirownlanguageandworkedwiththemtotranslateEnglishmedicaltermsintoNavajo.

WecanseeherambivalenceandherattempttograpplewithNavajobeliefsandunderstandthemontheirowntermswhenRedPointrefuses

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totakeaverysickMariaAntoniatothehospital,insteadfindingasingertoperformaNavajoceremonyoverher."Youseewecan'tpossibletakehertothehospital.Little-Singerdiedthereyesterdayafternoon"(p.250).Shethenrecountsherreaction.

Iamshocked.Iunderstandperfectlywhymygrandmothercannotgothere.Aplacewhereonediesiscontaminated,andifanyonegoesthere,heputshimselfinthewayoftheworst.Iknow,too,asdotheyall,althoughtheydonotsayit,thatLittle-Singeristhefourthpersontodieatthehospitalwithinaweek.AfterconsideringtheimplicationsIsuggest,"Butcouldthedoctorcomeheretoseeher?"(p.250)

Thefamilyagrees,butthedoctorisnottobefound,andReichardeventuallyhelpsthefamilyfindanappropriatesinger.Here,asinothersituations,ReichardtriestofindasolutionwhichwillnotoffendNavajobeliefsbutwillallowfamilymemberstoutilizesomeaspectofwhitesocietythatmightprovebeneficial.

Reichard'sattitudesemergeclearlyinherbook,andalthoughfromthestandpointofthe1990swemightcriticizeherviews,theyarethereinthetext,ratherthanerasedorhiddenaswastypicalinmoretraditionalethnographicwriting.

Navajosinthe1990s

TheNavajolifedescribedinSpiderWomanisthatofwomenwhoarethegrandmothersandgreat-grandmothersofhighschoolandcollege-agedNavajowomeninthe1990s.TodayyounggirlsofYikadezba'sageattendschoolandwilllikelygraduatefromareservationhighschool.Many

Pagexx

youngNavajowomenattendNavajoCommunityCollege(locatedinTsailewithbranchesinShiprockandTubaCity)orcommunitycollegesandstateuniversitiesinbothNewMexicoandArizona.

Navajofamiliesliveinaneconomyentirelydifferentfromthatofthe1930s,onedominatedbywageworkandvariousformsofthird-partypayments(railroadretirement,SocialSecurity,AFDC,GeneralAssistance,foodstamps).Stockreductioninthe1930smeantthatNavajoscouldnolongerliveofftheirsheepherdandtheirfields.Somewagejobsformenbecameavailableinthe1930swhentheCivilianConservationCorps(CCC)hiredNavajosonanumberofprojects.WhileNavajowomenworkedinwarindustriesintownssurroundingthereservation,NavajomenweredraftedinWorldWarII(somebecomingthefamousCodeTalkerswhoseNavajo-basedcodewasnevercrackedbytheJapanese).Afterthewar,Navajomenworkedfortherailroadlayingandrepairingtrack,withNavajofamiliesmigratingtoagriculturalareastopickfruitandharvestvegetables.TheHopi-NavajoRehabilitationActof1950broughtschools,hospitals,andpavedroadstothereservation.Bythemid-1960s,traditionaleconomicpursuits(sheepherding,weaving,andagriculture)contributedonly14percentofcommunityincomeinsomeareasofthereservation(Lamphere1977:24).MostNavajoswerelivingoffwages,SocialSecurity,welfare,andothersourcesofcashincome.Bythe1990s,wageworkwasevenmorepervasive,withmanyNavajosworkinginthetribalgovernment,hospitals,schools,ortheBIA.Localchapters,usingmoneyreallocatedfromtheNavajoNation,wereabletohirelocalmen,women,and,duringthesummer,highschoolandcollegestudents,onworkprojectsorlocaltrainingprojects.Onthedownside,theNavajoreservationhasaveryhighunemploymentrate;manyofthoseeagerandqualifiedforworkcannotfindjobs.Only52percentofthemenwereinthepaidlabor

forcein1979,while35.4percentofthewomenand45.55percentofmotherswithchildrenunder

Pagexxi

sixhadpaidemployment.Inaddition,47.3percentoffamilieswerebelowthefederalpovertylevel(NavajoNation1988:14)

MostNavajofamiliesnolongeroccupyhoghans.Instead,althoughtheymayliveinthesamedispersedresidencegroupsastheirgrandmothersandgreatgrandmothers,theyaremorelikelytohaveatriballybuilthouseoratrailerwithabathroom,runningwater,electricity,andmodernstoveandrefrigerator.Othersliveinfederallyfunded''suburbs,"clustersoflow-costranchhousing,thathavegrownupneartradingpostsandschools.Neverthelessin1979morethan53.8percentofNavajohomeslackedcompleteplumbing,76.8percentlackedcentralheating(andwereprobablyheatedbywoodstoves),and45.8percentlackedelectricallighting(NavajoNation1988:15).

ThepickuphasreplacedthehorseandtheNavajohorse-drawnwagonasthetypicalmodeoftransportation.Thetradingposthasbeenreplacedbysmallconveniencestores,andmostNavajosdotheirmajorshoppingatsupermarketslocatedinoff-reservationtowns(Farmington,Gallup,Flagstaff)oratlargestoresonthereservation(in,e.g.,Shiprock,TubaCity,andFt.Defiance).BecausemanyNavajofamilieshavemovedtobordertowns,restaurants,gasstations,andstoresarenotonlypatronizedbyNavajosbutemploylargenumbersofNavajos.

Highschoolstudentsareavidbasketballplayers,wearthelatestinfashionablesneakers,t-shirts,andhaircutsandareuptodateonthemostrecentrockmusic.NavajoswatchasmuchTVasotherAmericans(fromlargecolorsetsthatareinevitablyturnedonduringthedayandeveninghours)andarejustasinterestedindiscussingthelatestsportsstatistics,theO.J.Simpsontrialin1994,orthecrashofTWAFlight800in1996.

ManyNavajoshaveconvertedtoChristianity;evangelicaladherents(Nazarenes,Pentecostals)andMormonsincreasedinlargenumbersafterWorldWarII.TheNativeAmericanChurch(thePeyoteReligion)isalsoimportantonthereservation.Traditionalreligionisstillalive,too.Many

Pagexxii

NavajosbothattendNativeAmericanchurchceremoniesorMormon,Catholic,andmain-lineProtestantservicesandutilizetraditionalNavajoceremonialists(singers,curers,handtremblers,andotherdiagnosticians)(Aberle1982,Henderson1982).

Navajoweavinghaschangedtoo.Mostwomenintheirthirtiesandfortiesdonothavetimetoweave,unlesstheyareinfamilieswhereweavinghasremainedastrongtradition.Manyyoungwomenarenotlearningtoweaveatall.Processedwool(spunforbothwarpandweftbyNavajoweavers)andsingleyarnandmultiple-plyyarn(alreadycommerciallyspun)areusedbymanyweavers,whoseethemassavingtimeandlabor.AccordingtoHedlund,thiscontinuesalongtraditionofutilizingWesternandcommercialproductsinNavajoweaving(Hedlund1986).Newdesignideasandregionalstyleshavebecomepopular,andNavajowomenoftenbuytheirmaterialsandmarkettheirrugsfarfromtheirlocalcommunities.Navajoweaversaregettinghigherpricesfortheirrugs;someareabletomarkettheirrugsthroughcooperativesorrugauctions.Sincetheycommandsuchhighprices,Navajorugsarenowtreatedastapestriesandartobjectsratherthansomethingtogracethefloorofahomeoroffice.Severalmuseumshavemountedimportantexhibitionsofbothhistoricalandcontemporarycollections(Hedlund1991a,1991b).

Aftermath

GladysReichardspentthesummerof1934atRedPoint'sresidencegroup.ShereceivedfundingfromtheBureauofIndianAffairsforahoghanschooltoteachNavajoadultshowtowriteintheirownlanguage.Inthefall,SpiderWomanwaspublished,andinthenextfewyearsshewrotetwoadditionalbooksaboutherexperienceswithRedPoint'sfamily:NavajoShepherdandWeaver(1936),amoretechnicalaccountof

Pagexxiii

howtoweave,andDezba:WomanoftheDesert(1939)anovelcenteringonthefemaleheadofaNavajofamily,awomanmuchlikeMariaAntonia.

MiguelitodiedinOctober1937,andhisdaughter,Atlnaba,diedthenextspring.Reichardwasclearlyupsetbybothdeaths.Ofheradopted"grandfather"(shichei)shesaid,"Miguelito'sdeathisagreatblowtome,bothpersonallyforIadmiredtheoldman,andscientifically,forIhadnotnearlyfinishedworkingwithhim."ToRomanHubbellshewroteaboutthefamily'ssecondloss,''IamsimplyspeechlessaboutAtlnabaandespeciallyinmyfeelingsforMarie.Idon'tknowwhyanyoneshouldhavetotakethatmuch....Thereisnowreallynoheadleftinanysensetothefamily."Marie,herhusbandandson,andanieceeventuallymovedtojoinalargefamily;theheadmotherinthefamilybelongedtoMarie'sclanandherhusbandbelongedtoTom'sclan.

WithinafewyearsheranthropologicalmentorsElsieClewsParsonsandFranzBoasalsodied,Parsonsin1941andBoasin1942.Withtheseimportantpersonalrelationshipsbroken,bothontheNavajoreservationandinNewYork,ReichardwentontopublishmuchmoregeneralbooksonNavajoreligionandlanguage.HershortmonographPrayer:TheCompulsiveWord(1944)outlinedsomeofheranalysisofNavajoreligionaswellasthestructureofNavajoprayersusedduringchantsorsings.Hermagnumopus,NavahoReligion,appearedin1950,andNavahoGrammarwaspublishedin1951.ReichardcontinuedtoteachatBarnard,andsheinfluencedanumberofwomengraduatestudentsatColumbiawhowereherBarnardteachingassistants.TheseincludedEleanorLeacock(awell-knownfeministanthropologist),NathalieWoodbury(aSouthwesternarchaeologist),KatePeckKent(whobecameaspecialistinSouthwesternprehistorictextiles),andKatharineBartlett(curatorandlibrarianfortheMuseum

ofNorthernArizona).From1940on,Reichardspendmanyofhersummers,aswellastwosabbaticals,attheMuseumofNorthernArizonainFlagstaff.Shediedtherein1955,ofastroke(Mark1980:572).

AlthoughReichard'scontributionstotheunderstandingofNavajo

Pagexxiv

religion,particularlyherabilitytounderstandNavajocategorieswithoutimposingWesternconceptions,areconsideredbysometobehermostimportantwork,SpiderWomanandDezbaremaininnovativeethnographicdescriptions.Scholarsaretakingarenewedinterestinthembecauseoftheinformationtheyprovideonweavingasawoman'scraft,thelivesofNavajowomen,familyinteraction,theassimilationofNavajothroughschoolsandmissionariesduringthe1930s,andtheinteractionbetweenAnglosandNavajos.ThesebooksconveythepersonalqualityofReichard'srelationwiththewomeninRedPoint'sfamilyandhergreatregardforRedPointhimself.HerconnectiontohimisvividlyrecountedinalettertoRomanHubbellonhisdeath.

Iamsortanumbstillfromtheshockofyourletterwhicharrivedyesterday.BeforeeverythingIwantyoutoknowhowmuchIappreciateyoursittingdownandwritingmethefirstthing,andinsuchdetail,too.Itmarkstheendofanepochwithme,reallyIshallhavetostartalloverpsychologicallyandIamdoubtfulsofarastohowIshalldoit...Butifthatistruewithme,howmuchmoresowithyouandallthosewhocametodependonMiguelitoforthethingshehadtooffer.Itistoounbelievableandsuddentobeabletogetaperspective....Idon'tseemtohaveanyfancywordsinwhichtosayit,butitissimplythattheexperiencewithMig'sfamilywasaneventinmylifeandifyouhadnotsentmetohim,Ishouldhavemissedallthatrichness(HP:GR/RH10/14/36).

ArchivalSourcesofCorrespondence

BHPBerardHailePapers(AZ132)Box3a,Folder5,UniversityLibrary,UniversityofArizona,Tucson

GladysReichardtoBerardHaile:November11,1936.

ECPElsieClewsParsonsPapers.AmericanPhilosophicalSociety,Philadelphia.

Pagexxv

GladysReichardtoElsieClewsParsons,July6,1930;September13,1930;December30,1930;February24,1931;July11,1931;January25,1932;July9,1932;February24,1937.

HPHubbellPapers(AZ375)SpecialCollections,MainLibraryUniversityofArizona,Tucson.

GladysReichardtoRomanHubbell:October14,1936

1937

References

Aberle,DavidF.

1966PeyoteReligion.Chicago:UniversityofChicagoPress.

1982"TheFutureofNavajoReligion"inNavajoReligionandCulture:SelectedViews.pp.219232.Ed.DavidM.BruggeandCharlotteJ.Frisbie.SantaFe:MuseumofNewMexicoPress.

Abu-Lughod,Lila

1993WritingWomen'sWorlds.Berkeley:UniversityofCaliforniaPress.

Behar,Ruth

1993TranslatedWoman:CrossingtheBorderwithEsperanza'sStory.Boston:BeaconPress.

Boas,Franz

1908"DecorativeDesignsofAlaskanNeedlecases:AStudyintheHistoryofConventionalDesigns,BasedonMaterialsintheU.S.NationalMuseum."ProceedingsoftheU.S.NationalMuseum,vol34,pp.321344.

1966KwakiutlEthnography.EditedbyHelenCodere.Chicago:UniversityofChicagoPress.

Clifford,James

1988ThePredicamentofCulture.Cambridge,Mass.:HarvardUniversityPress.

Clifford,JamesandGeorgeMarcus,eds.

1986WritingCulture:ThePoeticsandPoliticsofEthnography.Berkeley:UniversityofCaliforniaPress.

Pagexxvi

Hedlund,AnnLane

1986"CommercialMaterialsinModernNavajoRugs."TheTextileMuseumJournal,vol25:8396.

1991a"CurrentTrendsinNavajoWeaving."Focus/SantaFe.pp1015,July.

1991b"ThenandNow:ContemporaryNavajoPerspectivesonWeaving."InEulalieWierdsma,ed.Wovenfromlife:HistoricPrinciplesandContemporaryPerspectivesonNavajoWeaving.Austin:UniversityofTexasPress.

Henderson,Eric

1982"KaibetoPlateauCeremonialists:18601980."InBruggeandFrisbie:164175.

1989"NavajoLivestockWealthandtheEffectsoftheStockReduction."JournalofAnthropologicalResearch,vol.45,no.4:379404.

Lamphere,Louise

1977ToRunAfterThem:TheCulturalandSocialBasesofCoperationinaNavajoCommunity.Tucson:UniversityofArizonaPress.

Mark,Joan

1980"GladysReichard,July17,1893July25,1955,Anthropologist,"NotableAmericanWomen,Vol.4,ed.BarbaraSicherman,CoralHurdGreen.Cambridge,Mass.:BelknapPressofHarvardUniversity.

NavajoNation

1988FAX1988.WindowRock,TechnicalSupportDepartment

NavajoNation.

Parezo,Nancy

1983NavajoSandpainting:FromReligiousActtoCommercialArt.Tucson:UniversityofArizonaPress.

Reichard,Gladys

1928SocialLifeoftheNavajoIndians.ColumbiaUniversityContributionstoAnthropologyVol.7.NewYork:ColumbiaUniversityPress.

1936NavajoShepherdandWeaver.NewYork:J.J.Augustin.

1938"GrammaroftheCoeurd'AleneLanguage."HandbookofAmericanIndianLanguagesno.3:517707.NewYork:J.J.Augustin.

1939Dezba:WomanoftheDesert.NewYork:J.J.Augustin.

Pagexxvii

1944Prayer:TheCompulsiveWord.MonographsoftheAmericanEthnologicalSocietyno.7.NewYork:J.J.Augustin.

1950NavahoReligion:AStudyofSymbolism.2vols.NewYork:BollingenFoundation.

1951NavahoGrammar,ed.MarianSmith.PublicationsoftheAmericanEthnologicalSocietyno.21.NewYork:J.J.

n.d.aAnotherLookattheNavajo.Ms.onfile,ReichardPapers,MuseumofNorthernArizona,Flagstaff.

n.d.b"AssimilationorExtinction?"Ms.onfile,ReichardPapers,MuseumofNorthernArizona,Flagstaff.

Rosaldo,Renato

1989CultureandTruth:TheRemakingofSocialAnalysis.Boston:BeaconPress.

Pagexxix

AcknowledgmentsTheStoryofNavajoWeaversandChantersisself-explanatoryastocharactersandcircumstances.TheonlydistortionofwhichIamconsciousisaslightoneoftimeandsequence.Thereisnotwistingoffacts;ifthereisofinterpretationitisbecauseoflackofunderstandingratherthanofthewilltounderstand.

MyacknowledgmentsmustbenecessarilyfeebleinproportiontotheharvestIhavereapedofgoodwillandkindness.ThefirstareduetotheSouthwestSociety,whichhadenoughfaithinadubiousundertakingtostartmeonmyway.IthanknexttheCouncilforResearchintheSocialSciencesofColumbiaUniversity,whichkeptmegoingonceIhadstarted.

WhenIconsidertheservice,spiritualandphysical,renderedbythemembersoftheJ.L.HubbellTradingPost,Ganado,Arizona,Iamoverwhelmedwiththeinadequacyofmyvocabulary.Mr.RomanHubbell,Old-Mexican's-Son,understoodinaflashmysomewhatdifficultproblems,andwhenhesuggestedRed-Point'sfamilyastheonewithwhichtoworkheputthestampofsuccessonmyproject.Hehimselfisaconstantsourceofstimulationandinspirationashefollowsmyprogresswithever-eagerinterestandcoöperation.ThesentimentappliesequallytoMr.LorenzoHubbellofOraibi.

Pagexxx

MythankstoMrs.Goodman,Mrs.Parker,Mrs.Hubbell,andtheirchildrenareofthekindthelonestrangermusthavementallyaccordedtotheGoodSamaritanwhenhecameto.

ThedebtIcontractedwhenIacceptedthegeneralizedinformationcollectedbyMr.LloydAmbrose(Mr.Little-Man-with-the-Spectacles)andMr.HoraceBoardman(Mr.Short-Pants)isonewhichcanneverbecanceledsinceitismeasuredinthesavingofthatmostrareandpreciouscommodity,time.Mrs.LauraArmer(White-Haired-White-Woman)madethesamesortofcontribution.IamindebtedtoFrancJ.Newcombforthedoublesand-painting.

CanwordsexpressthesatisfactiontheacquisitionofthefriendshipofafamilylikeRed-Point'scangive?IhavetriedtoletSpiderWomanmakemydeclarationforme.

ToRuthM.Underhill,CharlotteLeavittDyer,andElizabethHowsareIwaftgratitudeforconstructivecriticismofthemanuscript,andtoAdeleFroehlichfor"walkinghappily"amidstthemechanicaldrudgerynecessarytoitspreparation.Therearemanyotherswhohavehelpedbytheirinterestandsuggestions;Ihavenotforgottenthem,noramIunappreciative.

Icannotsignmynametothisandleaveouttheword"hospitality."IfindtheSouthwesteverhospitableand,inemphasizingmyfeelingofwell-beingthere,mustreferbacktotheresidentsoftheSouthwestpreviouslymentionedaslargelyresponsibleforit.Thisincludesalltheirfamiliesandmanyotherswhichtheexigenciesofspaceforbidmenamingindividually.

GLADYSA.REICHARDBARNARDCOLLEGE,NEWYORKCITY.

Pagexxxi

TableofContents

Chapter Page

I.White-Sands 1

II.Established 6

III.Tension 16

IV.Sand-Paintings 24

V.Sympathy 30

VI.MarieLearnstoWeave 37

VII.Results 44

VIII.AttheWell 50

IX.TakingCounsel 60

X.Design 70

XI.Rain 79

XII.Understanding 94

XIII.Self-Reliance 100

XIV.Criticism 109

XV.Dan 115

XVI.SheepDipping 121

XVII.HouseGuardian 126

XVIII.Wedding 133

XIX.ShootingChant 144

XX.CommunionofSuffering 154

XXI.TheGodsInvited 163

XXII.TheHolyTwins 169

XXIII.Sun'sHouse 180

XXIV.TheGodsAccept 190

XXV.Effects 205

XXVI.TheKinni's-Sons 210

XXVII.Standards 219

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Chapter Page

XXVIII.White-SandsDesolated 226

XXIX.WarDance 233

XXX.KillingtheGhost 240

XXXI.Marie'sLittleLamb 244

XXXII.Tragedy 247

XXXIII.Death 255

XXXIV.CollectingPlants 260

XXXV.Father'sSister 274

XXXVI.DegreeinWeaving 278

Pagexxxiii

Illustrations

ALoomStands Frontispiece

FacingPage

BenHoldsSpotinFrontofMariaAntonia'sShade

6

MyHouse 6

MarieandAtlnabaRigTheWarp-Frame 7

AtlnabaStringsWarp 7

MarieCards 24

AndSpins 24

MarieShowsHowtoHoldBattenandComb

25

MariePullstheHeald 25

Sun'sHouseBlanket 28

Sun'sHouseDetail 28

Marie'sPositionofRest 29

AtlnabaUnwindsSkeinandWindsBall 29

MyFirstRug 72

MySecond 72

DiversionDamAftertheTornado 73

AGoodEdge 110

MyFourthRugwithPatternPlannedfortheSecond

110

Sheep 111

HuskingBee 111

DoubleSand-Painting Betweenpages194and195

Braided 210

Diamond 210

CookShadeforWarDance 211

Firewood 211

TwoofMySistersandMyGirlChildren

248

AVeryLittleGirlonaVeryLargePlayground

248

Hastin-Gani's-WifeAttachestheWarpCurls

249

TheFifteen-FootLoom 249

Page1

IWhite-SandsWhite-Sandslaysilentandmotionlessinthedeadlightofmid-afternoon.Hereandthereasoft,capriciouswindstirredupatinywhirlofdust.Amuffledlazycluckcamefromacontentedhuddleoffeatherswhereahenleisurelygaveherselfadustbath.Eventhedecrepithordeofmongreldogswasscattered,asleep,oratleastindifferent.Thefewhouseswiththeircoveringofclaymergedintothedullbackgroundoftheclearingapparentlydevoidoflife.Afewyardsnorthofthelargesthutwasaqueerstructure.Anindeterminatearrangementofoddsandendsofsticksandboardsfrompackingboxeswasstuckuprightintheground,forminganuncertaincirclebeginningatthetrunkofagnarledandnorthward-leaningpiñonwhichservedasarooftothisthing.Forwantofabetternameitmustbecalledashade,becauseitservedassuch;butitisstrictlyindividualistic:therewasneverastructurelikeitbefore,itwouldbeimpossibletoduplicateit.Acrosstheentranceofthisaffairtwoboardswerelaidasabarrieragainstwhat,itishardtosay,foranimalscouldgainingressatalmostanycrack.Ifonecrackweretoosmall,alargeronecouldbefoundwithease,ortheboardscouldbenosedfartherapartattheirlooseupperends.Thebarriershowed,however,thatthepeoplewhousedtheshadewereelsewhere.

Page2

Alargedome-shapedhutappearedtobethecenterofthesmallsettlement.Thedoorwasclosedbutthelockhunglooseinthehasp.Acursoryglancethroughthecrackabovethedoorshowedthatit,liketheshade,wasempty.Weopenedthedooruponaneatsilence.Therewasabroadexpanseofcarefullysweptsandfloor,hardandsmoothfromuse,aroundtwosidesofwhichsheepskins,freshlyshakenandfluffy,werelaid.Alargeloomoccupiedtheentireheightandwidthofthenorthsideofthehouse.Ablanketfivefeetwide,aboutone-quarterfinished,ofgray,black,white,andtanwasstrungonit.Asmallpackingcasestoodonthefloorattheright.Itcontainedtheworker'syarns,weavingcombsandtheothersmallimplementsofhercraft.Herbattenwasneatlylaidbetweenthetopcordsthatfastenthemovablepartofherloomtotheloomproper.Allthesesignstoldusofagoodweaverwhohadleftherworktemporarily.

Carefullyclosingthedooruponthecoolsilence,wesoughtfurtherfortheinhabitants.Ataconsiderabledistancetothesouthandslightlywestisanotherhut,likethefirstinallbutsize,forthisoneissmaller.It,too,isdome-shapedandblendsintothesandbackgroundoftheclearing.Butthedoorofthisone,attheeastaswastheother,isopen,andfromitsinteriorcomesadullthumpthump,thesoundofthecombpoundingfirmly,regularly,andrapidlytheyarnwhichisbecomingaNavajorug.Westandrespectfullyatthedoorwayforatime,lookinginandallowingoureyestobecomeaccustomedtothedimnessofthelight,acontrasttotheharshglarefromwhichwecame.Thewoman,sittingonthefloorbeforetheloomatthewestsidecontinuesthumpinghercomb,asifwedidnotexist,herwayofgreetingusrespectfully.

Page3

Thishousebulgeswithlife.Burstingsacksofwoolhangfromitssides.Long,clean,brightlycoloredskeinsofspunyarnhangfromthebeamsandloomposts.Theboxontheflooratthewoman'ssidehasstrandsofpinkandred,orangeandgreen,brown,grayandblackyarnfringingitsedges.Eachoneholdsitselfinreadinesstobepulledbyitsmistress'skilfulfingers.Acatrubsourlegs,bywayofinvestigativegreeting,andreturnstoherlitterofkittensbehindtheloom.Awhitedogwithablackear,nolargerthanapuppyherself,givesawarningyelpnotifyingustokeepclearofhertwopupsbehindtheflourbox.

NowOld-Mexican's-Son,thetrader,whoisintroducingme,directsawittygreetingtothewomanattheloom.She,forthefirsttime,showsawarenessofourpresence.Weenter.Thetrader,whoisathomeinthisIndianfamily,afterpushingasideseveraldogs,uncertainlytolerant,andremovingapileofwoolsetoutforthecarding,findshimselfaplaceonasoftsheepskinwherehehalfreclines,lightinghispipe.ThewomaninterruptsherweavinglongenoughtoturnonmeagleamingsmileandtoindicateastronglowboxonwhichI,beingastranger,maysit.Aswetalkandsmoke,thewomanweaves,herswiftlymovingfingerscausingtheblankettogrowvisibly.AsIwatch,Iamconsumedwithenvymingledwithadmiration,forthisiswhatIhavecometolearn.

Thetalkfirstlocatesthemembersofthefamily.Theoldmother,whoseblanketstandsuprightinitsloom,quietandunfinished,ishoeingcornabouthalfamileaway.Herhusband,Red-Point,theheadofthisfamily,isatGanado,sixmilesaway,directingtheirrigationofhisfields.Thewoman,withherlipspursedtowardthewest,indicatesthathersister,Marie,whomwecametosee,isatherownhome.

Page4

Conversationbetweenthetraderandtheweavercontinues,hesometimesinterpretingforme,astheafternoondroneson.Alambbleatsatthedoor,comesinandsmellsusall,takesadrinkfromabasinneartheentrance,walksovertohermistressforpetting.Variousgoatsandsheep,allpets,anddogsstalkinandarechasedoutbyanunconvincing''Su!Su!"Ababy,justabletowalk,peepsshylyaroundthedoorpostandbacksaway.Hersister,twoyearsolder,somewhatbolder,comesinandsettlesbetweenherauntandthetrader,notdaringtotakeherpositionnearthestrangewhitewoman,towhomsheisneverthelessattracted.Thetraderhaslearnedwhereeverybodyis,thatMariewilldoubtlesssellhimasheep,andhenowcomestothemainbusinessoftheday.

Hereisawhitewoman,peculiarinmanyways,whowantstolearntoweave.Ashetellstheweaverthis,shedartsatmeapleasedbutquizzicallook.FurthermorethiswhitewomanwantstoliverightherewiththeIndians.Shewantstohaveashadeliketheirs.Shewantsaloomanchoredtothegroundatwhichshecansitastheysit,ontheground.ShewantstolearntoweaveasNavajowomenweave.ThisparticularNavajowomanisinterested,butshecannothelpbeingamused.Thewhitewomanhadshownshelikedtheweaverfromthemomentshesawher,theweaverhadreciprocated.But,ifMarieistoteachher,wemustseeMarie.

Theweaverfinishesthumpingdowntherowofyarnshehasjustlaidinalonghercarefullypartedwarps,removesherbatten,andlaysitcarefullyalongtheuppercordsofherloom.Shethenwindsintoitsrespectiveballeachthreadofthevariegatedfringehangingoverherwool-box.Weallrise,andwithacomprehensive"Su!Su!"atthevariousanimalswhodonotbelonginthehouse,wegooutintoadifferentworld.

Page5

White-Sandshascometolife.Thesunisonitsrapidwaytothewest.Thesand,nolongerdullbrown,hasturnedtorose,thepiñonsandjunipers,inmid-afternoondarkdotsonthelandscape,nowcastlongpurpleshadowsovertherose-coloredearth;shadowsdrawthescatteredobjectstrees,houses,corrals,evenbunchesofgrassintoamellow,homelikewhole,acontrastofroseanddarknessandoverallagoldenglow.Fromthesouthcomesableatingwithinacloudofgolddust.Theflocksarecominghome.Alongtheroadfromthesamedirectiontheclatterofwagonwheelsandthedeliberatetreadofhorses.Thedogs,nowanactiveantagonisticband,makereadytomeetthehorseswithear-splittingbarks.Thedriver,complacentlysinginginahighfalsetto,patientlyurgesthehorseson.

WegotowardMarie'shouse,butthechildrentherearenowfiveindicatethatsheisatthecorralbehindherhouse.Herewefindhersmilingashygreetingasshestandsamongthesheepandgoats,animatedbunchesofwoolmillingaroundandaroundher.Old-Mexican's-Sonbargainsforhissheepamidstthemoving,bleating,belching,coughingflock.InanoffhandwayheremarksthatIamcominghereMondaymorningtolearntoweave(todayisSaturday).HewantsTom,whoisdrivinginnowwiththefilledwaterbarrels,tomakemeashadebythattime,whenIwillmovein.Noonedeniesthetraderawish,muchlessthisNavajofamily,whosedaughtersgrewupwithhim.Inamoretimidlyoffhandmannertheyacquiesce,andwewitha"Well,let'sgo!"startbacktothetradingpostinmynewFord,whichnowinterestsdogs,childrenandgrown-upsalike.MondaymorningIwillbegintolearntoweave.

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IIEstablishedUponmyarrivalatWhite-SandsearlyMondaymorningthedogsgivemeavociferousandunfriendlywelcome.IturnoffthemotorofJonathan,myFord,andwaituntilRed-Pointquietsthem.Hisfewdecidedwordscausethemtoslinkinalldirections,tailsbetweenlegs,growling,disgruntled,thwarted.Severalwomen,amongthemtheoldmotherofthefamily,standbeforetheentranceoftheshade,holdingtheirhandsbeforetheirmouthswithshyness,readytoduckintotheshadeatasecond'snotice.ThisisnotmyfirstexperiencewiththeNavajo,andIhavealreadylearnedtoobservetheshortperiodofsilencerequiredbygoodmannerswhencomingtoahouse.Thisover,Iamnotobligedtohuntupthefamily.Marieapproachesfromherhomeprecededbyherhusband,Tom,aleanhandsomefellowsmilingawelcome.

"Wedidn'tbuildashade.Thereisastorehouseuphere.Theoldmanthoughtitwouldbeabetterplaceforyoutolivethanashade.Atthistimeoftheyeartherearesomanygnats.Youcanlookatit,andifyoudon'tlikeitwecanbuildyouashade."

Sosaying,Tomleadsofffollowedbymeandthebevyofwomenandchildrenwhohaveassembled.Heleadsustotheapparenthole-in-the-groundwhichisfromthistimeontobeconsideredmine.Itisdugoutoftheearthaboutfivefeet

MyHouse

BenHoldsSpotinFrontofMariaAntonia'sShade

MarieandAtlnabaRigtheWarp-frame

AtlnabaStringsWarp

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deep.Toenter,wegodownastepcutoutoftheground,taketwopacesalongapassageanddownonemorehighstep.Within,itiscoolandcomfortable.Ithasbeenneatlyswept,andinsomerespectsismoredesirablethantheordinaryNavajohogan,orhouse.Noonehaseverlivedinitithasbeenusedasastoreplaceforwoolinthewinter.Itisspacious,abouttwelvebyfifteenfeetinsizeandatleastsixfeethigh,andthelight,fromthelargedoorwayattheeast,isgoodalmostastudiolightatalltimesoftheday.

Ittakesnotimeforustomovemypossessions,modestastheyare,intothestorehouse.Tomshouldersthearmytrunkfullofheavybooks;Mariegetsholdoftheblanketroll;hersister,Atlnaba,thefirstoneofthefamilyIhadmettwodaysbeforeatherweaving,takesholdofoneendofthegrub-box,andIoftheother.Thebustleisshort-lived.Withinafewminutesmybaggageisinplace.Thetrunkmakesagoodtable,butMarie,accustomedtowhitepeople'sways,sendsayounggirltoRed-Point'shouseforahomemadetable.Shesendsherniecetoherownhouseforawagoncoverwhichshelendsmeindefinitelyforacarpet.Myhouseisfurnished,andweviewtheprospectsforweaving.

IconvincethemthatIreallywanttolearn,and,satisfiedthatthehousesuitsmeandassuredthatIwanttostartweaving,thesoonerthebetter,Tomstartsofftomaketheloomframe.Thesouthsideofthehouseisanidealplaceforthesimplestructure.Hehasonlytomeasurethespacewithhiseye,gethisaxfromhisownhouse,andheisofftohewthenecessarypartsfromtreesontheplace.Duringthetimeheisgonewewomensettleforatalktogetacquainted.Whilewetalk,Marie'smother,MariaAntonia,comesin.ShecouldnotcomewhileTom,herson-in-law,wasthere,forNavajo

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womennever"see"theirsons-in-law.Oneofthechildren,withawordandagesture,hasinformedherthatheisgoneforagoodlyperiodoftimeandshemaynowcomeintosatisfyhercuriosity.

Thewomenvisitingmeatthistimearemythreeteachers,MariaAntonia,theoldwomanwhomadeherdaughtersfamous;Atlnaba,whonowwiththeenergyofyouthsurpasseshermother;andMarie,aself-taughtexpertandmyinterpreter.MariaAntonia'ssmileisnotlesssweetbecausetoothless.Marieisnotlessenergeticorenduringbecausecomfortablyplump.Withtheseexceptionseverymemberofthefamily,maleandfemalealike,givesafirstimpressionofwiryleannessandofperfectteeth.Herdingsheepandridinghorsebackkeepdownsuperfluousfat,constantchewingoffreshlykilledmuttonmakesteethstrongandwhite.

Marie,asinterpreter,enumeratesthemembersofthefamilyandtellsmetheirnames,thosegiventhembywhitesandtheirrealNavajonames.Shetellsmealsohowoldeachpersonis.I,inturn,tellthemhowoldIam,howmanyolderbrothersandsistersIhave,howmanyyounger,howIteachgirlsinwinter,visitandlearnfromIndiansinsummer,andwhyIwanttolearntoweave.

Nowachild,playingoutside,givesawarning,andMariaAntoniadisappears.WithinafewminutesTomcomesinagainwiththreefreshlycutpoles,perhapsfourinchesindiameter,onhisshoulder.Hehashackedoffthebarkbuthastakennopainstosmooththesurface.Onthecontrary,hehaspurposelyavoidedthesmoothnessofwhichhisaxiscapable,fortheroughprotuberanceswillproveusefultous.Hebringsalsoasmoothfour-by-fourstringeraboutsevenfeetlong.Helaysthesematerialsontheflooralongthesidewhere

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theloomistobe.Acceptingaprofferedcigarette,hesquatsnearthedoorway,hisweightonhisrightfootandonthetoesofhisleft,forashortrest.

Red-Point,thepatriarch,comesasheadofthehouseholdtoperformhisdutiesofwelcome.Headmiresthecoolnessandcomfortofmyhouse.Itiscoolerthanhisandtheothersbecauseitisunderground.ForhisbenefitandTom'sIrepeatdetailsofmyage,myinterests,andmyfamilyrelationships.Red-PointapprovesofTom'schoiceofpostsfortheloom,andmakesseveralsuggestionsaboutsettingthemup.Hestaysonlyacigaretteinterval,sayinghemustfindhishorsetogotoGanado.Thetimeislongenough,however,tomakemefeelthoroughlyathome,toconveyverballythefeelingwhichthewomenonlysmile,thattheyaregladtohavemehere.TheyaregladIwanttolearntoweave;theyhopetheywillteachmetoweavewell.

Ourfirstvisit,duringwhichwehavebecomeacquainted,hasstrungalong.Thesun,slantingdiagonallythroughthenarrowwoodenventilatorinthecenterofmyroof,showsitislongpastnoon.Thewomenatlastfilereluctantlyoutofmyhouse,leavingmeforbriefcontemplationandrealizationofmysurroundings.MyhousediffersfromtheNavajohoganinthatithasnosmokehole,hencenoplaceforafire.Butevenhadtherebeenone,Ishouldhardlyhaveuseditinthesummer.AtthecrudefireplaceofstonesafewfeetfrommydoorIboilsomecoffeetosupplementmylunchmenuofbakedbeansandcheese.IfindanarrangementofarmytrunkasseatinfrontofwhichIplaceMarie'stablequitesatisfactory.

AsIeat,Iexaminethedetailsofmyhouse,amatterforwhichIhadlittletimewhenentertainingmycolorfulvisitors.Thewallsandfloorareofnaturalsandhardenedbyuse.Asa

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foundationfortheroof,smallpoles,aninchortwoindiameter,arelaidwithoneendonaridgepole,theotheronthegroundwall.Theevenrowsofpolesformmyceiling.Overthepolessoftjuniperbarklies,toholdtheoutercoveringofsandpackedonwhenitwaswet.Thehouse,thoughdesirablycool,isalsosnug.OnlywhentherainyseasonbeginscanItellwhetherornotitiswaterproof.ItisearlyJune,andtheremaybeamonthbeforethattestwillcome.Astheafternoonwindblowsthesandaboutmyhouseandthefliesbuzzinthesunshineoutsidetheopendoor,IconsiderhowluckyIamnottohavetodependonashade,openonfoursides,forprotection.Iconsideralsothedispositionofthecontentsofmybags,butonlybriefly,forTomandMarieareback,readytoerecttheloomframe.

Itisasimpleaffaircomposedofroughpoles,acrosspiecefastenedtothefloorwithwedges,andtwouprightsmadefirmtotheroofatthetopwithbalewire.Tomfitsthepartsinplace,Marieholdsthemforhimashefastensthem.Itisnotlongbeforetheloomframeisnotonlyinplacebutalsofirmlysupported.

Tomstaysonlylongenoughforustoapproveandadmiretheloomframe.Ithankhimandhedeparts,forRed-Pointhasaskedhimtoroundupthesmallherdofcattleforbranding,andhehastocatchhishorse.AssoonasTomiswelloutofsightandthereisnoreasontoexpecthisreturnforsomehours,MariaAntoniacomesintohelpMariestringupmyfirstblanket.Mariehasbroughtwarp,alargeassortmentofstring,andtwopiecesofbroomstick,eachabouttwoandone-halffeetlong.MariaAntoniabringsintwoshortheavylogsandsendshergranddaughter,Ninaba,forthetwo

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slenderpoleswhichareleaningagainstthepiñontreenorthofmydwelling.

Withthesemiscellaneous-lookingmaterialstheyproceedtoconstructaloomframe,ortemporaryloom.Afterfixingithorizontallyonthefloorofthehousesothatitcannotmove,theystringthewarp,keepalternatestrandsseparatebymeansofreedsandbindtheendswithakindofbraiding.Myfirsteffortistobeonlymodestinsize,somewhatoverthreehandswideandfivelong.Ahandisthedistancebetweentheendofthethumbandtheendofthemiddlefinger.Sincetherugissmall,itisrelativelyeasytostring.AsMariewindswarpabouttwopoles,hermothersitsby,andwetalk.

Mariesaysthehardestpartofmakingarugisstringingthewarp.Somewomenneverlearntodoit.Oftenblanketsaresolargethattheycannotbesetupinthehouse.Thenthetemporaryloomislaidoutsideonthegroundandthetediousstringingisdonebyseveralwomenwhoconsiderthemselvesspecialistsatit.Awoman,thoughexpert,mayrequirehelpinsettinguponeonlyfourfeetwidebysixfeetlong.

Ourhandmeasuresarequitedifferent.Wemeasureoffacomparison.IttakessixofMarie'stomakefiveofmine.Marienevermakesablanketanexactnumberofhandslongorwide,andshesaysnootherNavajowomandoes.Sheallowsanextrainexactmeasure,slightlylessthanhalfahand.

Afterthebraidinghasbeenputonbothendsofthewarp,thepartsofthetemporaryloomareuntiedandputaway,andthewarpliesamassofwrithingcurlswhichifcarefullyhandledremainsorderly.

Toanaccompanimentofquietconversationthewomenperformthesucceedingstepsofthewarpstringing.They

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fastenthecurlingmasstosticks.WithaclotheslinetheyattachthestickswoundwithstringstotheloomframewhichTomhaserected.Theyusethestringerwhichheleftonthegroundasthetop,andfourthsideoftheirframe.Itcanbemovedupordownaccordingtothelengthofthewarptheyareusing.Theroughnesshehasleftintrimmingitkeepstheropefromslipping.

Thewarpnowstandsupright,firmlybutlooselyfastened.NowwithreedsandloopsofstringMariemakesa''harness"whichhenceforthwillallowustoseparatethealternatestrandsofthewarp.Thisiscalledahealdorheddle.Everyotherwarpstrandiscaughtupinoneofitsloops,sothatifwepullthereedforwardalternatethreadswillmovetothefront.Asecondreedwithoutloopsliesbehindallthestrandswhicharenotcaughtintothehealdloops.Bymanipulatingthehealdandrodproperlyweshallformspaces,calledsheds,betweenthewarpsthroughwhichwecancarryouryarn.

AllthistimeIamaninterested,ifsomewhatbewildered,onlooker.Theprocessseemstomeverycomplicated.ThehandsofthesewomenaresoskilfulthatIdespairofevercompetingwiththemindexterity.Theycaneventalkwhiletheytwineandbraidandloop.Theydonotseemtothinkaboutwhattheyaredoing.But,letoneofthemmakeamoveoutoforder,theotherlaughinglyremindsherofhermistake.

Ithastakenlessthantwohourstomaketheloom.ForMarienotonlystrungthewarpsbutalsomadeherloomassheproceeded.Tomorrowwewillbegin.Icanhardlykeepmyfingersofftheloom.Iamnotoverlysuccessfulatdisguisingmyeagerness.IknownoNavajowouldexhibitthiskindofenthusiasm,eventhoughshehadit.Nevertheless,itpleasesMarieassheleavesmewithatolerantsmile.

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AtlastIamalone.Somanynewthings,theminutestdetailsofwhichmustbeobserved,allcasuallydonebyMarieandMariaAntonia.IhavetheideaImustlearnthemallatonce.IknowverylittleNavajobutduringtheentiredayIhavekeptmyearcockedforwordsIcouldunderstandandhavetriedtousesuchsimplewordsasIhavepickedup.IfIelicitaburstoflaughterfrommyvisitors,IknowfrompreviousexperiencethatIhavepronouncedthewordscorrectly.IftheyarenotperfectIgetapuzzledlookofnon-comprehensionoracorrectionconscientiouslyandseriouslymade.Ithasallkeptmeonthequivive,butnowIrealizeIamutterlyexhausted.Coffeeandtobaccoarereviving,asisfood.Supperissimpleandbriefaspossible,forIdonotwanttomissamomentofoutdoorsatthistimeofday.Itakemybedrolloutsidemyhouse,layitonthegentlesmoothslopeofmyhousetop,avantagepointfromwhichthewholesettlementmaybeobserved.

Ihavehadscantopportunitytobecomeacquaintedwiththeexteriorofmydwelling.Leaningagainstmybedroll,Ihaveleisuretoenjoythepanorama.Atthis,thehourofsunset,theSouthwestcondensesitscharm.Thedesertaddictmaynotknowit,butthishouristhecauseofhisnostalgiawhenheiselsewhereyes,eveninasensewhenheishere.Myeyerovesfromtherose-coloredsandstillcoveredwithgray-greengrassbecauseoflaterains,tothehoar-greensagebrushandoverthesomewhatlumpyplainabundantlydottedwithpineandjuniper.Itistooearlyintheseasonforclouds,andtheclearturquoiseoftheskyblendswithpurelemon,gold,andred.Totheeast,atmyright,apiñonandajunipermingletheirbranchessocloselyIamsometimesdeludedintothinkingthecompositeisabotanicalfreak.

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There'sagentletinklingofbellsfromthesouthandeast.Shoutsaccompanyacollectivethudoflittlefeetbecominglouderasitslowlyapproaches.Aschoolgirltwirlsarattle,atincaninwhichseveralpebbleshavebeenenclosed,ontheendofastring,causingtheflocktoveertowardthecorral.Ninaba'sredvelvetshirtisajewelinawigglingfuzzywhitesetting.Theapproachingflockislikeamobofimpolitehumans.Thegoatsbelchandcough;onestopstonibblealikelysagebush;anothereatsthelowerbranchesofapiñon.Stillanotherfindsitswayintomyhouse.Ithinkofchasingitout,butIamtoocomfortabletogetup;andanywaythereisnothingitcanharm.Thesheepmunchdigressivelyalong,slowlyastheydare,everinterruptedbytheirherders;aewecallsherwanderingbleatinglamb,lostthroughcuriosity.

FiregleamsthroughthecracksoftheshademadeofoddsandendsfittedaboutthepiñontreewhereMariaAntoniadoeshersummerwork.Sheisoutatthewoodpilemakingthechipsfly.Herbeehiveofactivityiswithincalling,butnotwithintalking,distanceofme.Thesmokeofhercedarfire,mingledwiththepungentodorofthesagestirredupbythechewinggoats,andwiththedustoftheirpawing,iswaftedtomeonthegentlestandcoolestofbreezes.Alongtheoldroadfromthenorthariderappears.HeisCurley's-Son,Atlnaba'shusband,Tom'sbrother.Tiredwiththeday'sfarming,hesingsaweirdsongforcompanyashiswhitehorselopesthroughthegatheringdarkness.Adog,tailbetweenlegs,insneakyquiet,makesaforagingtourofmyfireplace.Thesheep,protestingorconversingevermorequietly,snugglecontentedlyintothedustofthecorralbehindme.IthinkofJoannaGodden.

Oldtritephrasescometome"witchinghour,""peace

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thatpassethallunderstanding,"aNavajogroupIneverbeforefullycomprehended:

WithbeautyabovemeIliedown,WithbeautybelowmeIliedown,WithbeautybeforemeIliedown,WithbeautybehindmeIliedown,WithbeautyallaroundmeIliedown.

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IIITensionTheplaceIaccidentallychoseinmywearinesshasbecomemypermanentsleepingporch.FromitImaylookintotheGreatDipperallnight.Queerhowhightheyhangitouthere.Perhapsbecausetheyhavesolittlewatertheydonotwantanyonetoreachiteasily;hemightspillit.ThesefirstnightsIspendverylittletimestar-gazing.

ThenextthingIamawareofisthesun'swhitelight,awarningthathewillsoonpeepoverthehorizon.ThisisthetimeagoodNavajogetsup.ButIamnotagoodNavajo,andIwinksleepilyathim;hetoleratesmyblinkasIrolloverinmycomfortableblanketsforanotherhourofsleep.Thebranchesofthefreakpiñon-juniperkeephisraysfrommyeyesuntiltheindecentlylatehourofsix-thirty.

Iamawakenedasecondtimebyagoatwhowantstoknowwhatthisnewkindofgrassis.Goatsalwayswanttoknowthings.DazedlyItwirlmyblanketstrapatherandlookaboutme.Oncemorelongshadows,buttheseareclear,taut,andenergetic,notsoftlyfocusedandrelaxinglikethepatternsdrawnbythesettingsun.Thesheephavebeguntheirlivelymunching,thegoatstheireternaluncomprehendingresearches.MariaAntoniaisatherwood-choppingagainafterlightingherfireofcedar.Womentrailvigorouslybackandforthfromtheoldmother'sshadetotheirownhouses,

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theirfullruffledskirtsbillowingbehindthem.Thechildrenareteasingthecalf,thedogswaitontheoutskirtsofallthisactivityfortheleastsignofamorsel.

Iamscarcelythroughwithmymorningroutine,simpleandbriefthoughitis,beforeMarieiswithme.FrommylookoutonthetrunkIhavenoticedthatourwarpisnotstraight.Itisnoticeablyshorterattheleftsidethanattheright.IcallittoMarie'sattentionandshecalmlysays,yes,shenoticedityesterdaybeforesheleft.Shehadmeasuredwithastringthedistanceonthetwosidesofthetemporaryframewhenshestrungit,butshemusthavemadeamistake,ormoreprobablyacrosspoleslippedbeforeitwasquitetight.Shesitsbeforetheloomandbeginsataboutthemiddletopulleachwarpattopandbottom,workingtowardtheleft,untilthewholelooksmoreeven.Herpatienceismatchedonlybymyimpatienceatthisdelay.Atlastitisstraighter,althougheventomycrookedeye,notabsolutelyso.

IhavechosentomakefirstablanketofstripesusingthetypicalNavajocolors,black,red,white,andgray.Mariebeginswithblack.ShemakesthestartsodeftlythatIdonotlearnuntilwestartournextblanketthatthefirstrowsaredifferentfromthesucceedingones.Shepullsthehealdwithherlefthand,flicksthewarpwiththespreadfingertipsofherright,insertsabroadsmoothstickcalledthebatten,andturnsit.Shethrowsheryarnthrough,poundsitdown,andwithdrawsthebatten.Nowshepressesthehealdrodagainsttheloopsofthehealdandshehasadifferentshed,thealternatewarpsareforward.Acasualflipofthefingersacrossthewarp,andtheweftthrowingandpoundingarerepeated.

Iatfirstthinkthisflippinganunnecessary,possiblyanaesthetic,gestureliketheelaboratemotionsofabootblack's

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flannel.ButwhenItakeuptheweavingpositionmyselfIfinditservesaveryusefulpurpose.Thetextureofthewarpchangessomewhatfromthetimeitisfirststrunguptothetimetheblanketisfinished.Itisahard-spunstrongyarn,butstillcapableofmuchstretching.Forthisreasonthewarpmustbetightenedmuchmorefrequentlyatthebeginningoftheweavingthanafteritapproachesthecenter.Furthermoretherearewoolfibers,sosmallasnottobeeasilydiscernible,whichcatchoneanotherandpreventtheshedsfrombeingcompletelythrown.Theswiftlightflipofthefingersseparatessuchofthesefibersontheforwardwarpsasadheretothosebehind.Constantfrictionoffingers,batten,comb,andyarnwearsoffthesefiberssothatastheweavingproceedstothemiddleoftheloomlength,theyaregoneleavingasmoothtightwarp.

Marieweavesabouthalfofthenarrowbeginningblackstripe,then,handingmethecomb,tellsmetotryitmyself.ItisthemomentIhavelongedfor.Allthosethingswhicharedonesoeasily,socasuallybytheNavajowomenbegintotakeonunsuspecteddifficultieswhenItrythem.Ihavetothinkofthesmallestdetailsasiftheyweresignificant.IhaveforsomeyearspridedmyselfonbeingabletositlikeaNavajowomanwithbothlegsfoldedbackattherightsideandwithnosupportfortheback.ButInowrealizethatsittingthatwayforafewminutesandchangingpostureisadifferentmatterfromremaininginthepositionforseveralhourswithnosatisfactoryshift.Andsittingisnotthewholeconsideration.Iamatthesametimepoundingdowntheyarntothefloorlevelandtheresultantkinkintheshoulderisquicklynoticeable,orwouldbeifIwerenottoointerestedinthedetailsofmynewcraft.

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Idonotevenknowwhichwaytoholdthecomborbatten.Marie,laughingatmyawkwardness,showsmethatthewidepartofthebattenisthetop,theslightlyconcavesidethefront.Ilearntoholditatthecenterwiththumbatthefront,twofingersbehindit.Thispositionallowssufficientcontrolininsertingit.Iknowtheprincipleofthesheds,butknowinganddoingaredifferentmatters.Iquicklylearnhowtoalternatethehealdandhealdrod,butevennow,afterIhavebecomeproficientatweaving,thearrangementseemssomewhatmiraculoustome,andinthoseearlydaysIhadtothinkouteachshift.

AfterIhavemyshedthrownandmybattenin,Marieshowsmehowtoholdthecomb.Itstaperinghandlerestsontheboneofthelowerthumbjoint;thecombisheldlooselybetweenthefirsttwoandthelasttwofingers.Sinceweareweavingstripeswhichextendacrosstheentirewidthoftheblanket,itispossibletothrowtheyarnorweftallthewayacrossifitiswoundonareedabouttwelvetofifteenincheslong.Thisisacrudeshuttle.Wehaveoneforeachcolortobelaidinstripes.Inallothercaseswecarrytheyarnthroughwiththefingers.

AfterIhavegotasfarasinsertingmyfirstweftyarn,Ipressitdownwiththebatten,asIhaveseenNavajowomendo,orasIthoughtIhadseenthemdo."Whydoyoudothat?"saysMarie."Ithoughtthat'sthewayyoudo,"sayImeekly.''Never,"saysMarieemphatically."Onlypoorweaversdothat.Youshouldpounditdowntightwiththecomb."

Imanagetodoso,butinmyconcentrationtohandlethecombproperlyIhavedroppedthebatten.IthasturnedoverandIhavetofigureoutitstopandfrontoncemore.The

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nexttimeIcarefullypulloutthebattenandholditinplaceonlytofindIhavelaiddownmycomb.Ifumbleforitandgetitoncemoreintoposition.WithinafewdaysduringwhichInotonlyweavebutwatchtheothersforhoursonend,Ilearnbyanalmostimperceptiblemotiontoshiftthecombfromthepositionnecessaryforpoundingtothepositionofrest.

Theoreticallythehealdsregulatethewarp;actuallyonemustbeconstantlyonguard,especiallyatthebeginningoftherugwherethewarpisroughandstretchy,againstpickingupawarporaseriesofthemfromthewrongset.AlittlepracticeshowsmesuchmistakesasIweavealong,andIgraduallygetafeelingofintimacyforthestrands.

Iamnowbeginningtocoördinatehealds,batten,comb,shedding,insertingtheweftandpoundingitdown.TrueIoccasionallyhitmykneeswiththecomb,butmyinjurieshavenointerestformeexceptlaterinretrospect.InadditiontoallthesemattersIambotheredseriouslybytheheavydoublebindingstrands.Theyarenotapartoftheloom,butaretiedtotheupperandlowersticksaftertheloomiscomplete.Neverthelesstheyareofprimaryimportance.IlearnfromMariethatthetestofablanketisitsedge.Ifitisboundinevenlyitwillnotpullwhentheweavingisdone,itwillexhibitapleasingpurlattheexactcenteroftherug'sthickness,anditwillrunexactlyparalleltotheoppositeedgeitsentirelength.Inotherwords,thewidthoftheblanketwillbeuniformthroughout.

Imustnotforgettoincludetheseedgestrands;Imusttwistthemproperlyandgiveanadditionaltwistatproperintervals.

AsIthrowthelumpyshuttlereedsfromrighttoleftand

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fromlefttoright,Ifindthatmystripesagsinthemiddle,infactsagsbadly.Ihavenoticedthatexpertweaversoftenplaceadditionalweftstrandsatwhatseemarbitraryplacesandforshortdistances.Theyknowthatanunevennessofonlyathread'swidthwillbeafault.IhaveallowedminetobecomeaveritablescallopbeforeMariesuggestsmyfillingitin.HadIbeenasdiscerningasshe,onerowwouldhavedonethetrick.Asitis,Imustworkwithitforseveralrowsandeventhenthestripeisfarfromstraight.Ihavealsoaconvexscallopatadifferentplacefromthesaggingone.Icanfindnoreasonforthis,butinhermatter-of-factwayMarietightensthewarp;andafterseveralrowsoffillingin,thedifficultyisovercome.OnceinawhileMarierescuestheblanketfrommyblunderingfingers.Shetightensthewarp,straightensthestripes,correctstheedges.

AsIstrugglealong,learningtocontrolunaccustomedmuscles,MariesitsbymysidewatchingcarefullylestImakeamistake.Wedon'ttalkmuch,exceptaboutthepointsoftheweaving.Achilddoesn'ttalkwhenheislearningtowrite.Besides,Mariedoesnot"tell"whenteaching.She"shows."TheNavajowordfor"teach''means"show"andisabsolutelyliteral.Astheminutesfly,Mariewindsthecolorsonmyreeds.

Ihavecometowardthetopofmysecondstripe,aredone,whenMariaAntoniacomesin.SheshowsMariethattheleftedgeisdrawingin.Marietakesthecombfromme,turnsit,andwithitssharppointloosenstheweftontheleftsidebypullingitupandspreadingthewarpwithstronghorizontalmovementswhichlookdangeroustome.Ihaveyettolearnthatanyblanketworthacontinentalwillsurviveagreaterpressurethanthis,thatallcalculationsaremadeonthebasis

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ofthistremendousstrain.Anotherroworsoshowsthateventhistreatmentisnotsufficientlydrastic,andthewomenseetherugstilldrawingin.Imyselfseenothingtofussabout.Iamtogettheshockallatoncemuchlater.

MariaAntoniacutsoutthesixthwarpfromtheleft,eliminatesitentirely.Iweaveonforseveralrowsasshewatches.Mariehasshownmehowtolaytheweftsothatitwillnotpullin;shehasalsoshownmehowtomanipulatemycombwithasubtletwistsothattheyarnwillliemoreloosely.Butitisonlymuchlater,afterIhavepractisedaloneconsiderably,thatIrediscoverthissubtlety.Ihituponitaccidentallyandanalyzeit;fromthattimeonitismine.Myattemptsatlayingtheyarnlooselyareunsuccessful,andnowMariaAntonia,asalastresort,tiesapieceofwarpyarnfirmlyintothefinishedwebandhitchesittotheleftuprightoftheloomframe.IhaveseenmanyaNavajoatherweaving,butneverhaveIseenamakeshiftlikethis.Thefeaturemosthumiliatingtomeisthattheedgedoesnotlookcrookedtome,atleastnotverycrooked.

Theargumentofthetwowomenandtheirtakingovertheweavingforafewminuteshavebeenanimmensereliefforme.Ihavebecomealmosttoostifftomove.Theylaughatmeandsay,asIdrawmylegsslowlybutlengthilyforthfromthefoldsofmyskirt,"Youarelikeastick."

Myhandfeelsbetterfortherespitealso,asdoesmyshoulder.Thecomb,beingheavybecauseofthenotionthisfamilyhasthatthebattenmustnotbeusedforpoundinghometheweft,comesdownwiththecunningtortureofaminorinquisitionontheboneofthesecondthumbjoint.Thisparticularpointoftheweaver'sanatomyreceivesalltheimpactoftheweft'sreaction.Smallwonderitisthatmany

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Navajouselightcombsandrelyonthebattenforbeatingthewefttight,atleastwhereitislaidstraight.Iamstillfeelingtooinferiortomentionthisslightannoyance,butsecretlyIampleasedtostopforamoment.

Ihavefinishedfourstripes,alittlelessthanahand,attheendofthismyfirstday,ablack,ared,awhite,andagrayone.WithstandardsnotveryhighlydevelopedIamquitepleasedwiththeresultofmyhandiworkasI,eatingsupper,viewitfrommytrunk.Theredstripeliesstraighterthantheblack,thewhitedeviateslessthanthered.WiththegrayIhavehadmoretroublethanwithany,butitsupperedge,althoughnotcompletelysatisfactory,isneverthelessacceptable.

Ihavesampledyarnofeverycolor.Thewhiteisthemosteven,therednextbecauseitisthewhitewhichhasbeendyed.Dyeingapparentlypacksthefibers,makingthemfirmandeven.Isuspectthatblackisalwaysunevenasuspicionwhichlearningtocardlatercorroborates.Thewooloftheblacksheephasashortstaple;itiscrimpy,andnoamountofhandtreatmentwillmakeitsmoothandregularlikethewhite.ThegrayIamusingisacombinationofwhiteandblack,blendedincarding,andithasalumpytexturewhichmustcontinuallybecounteractedbyfillingin.

ThissecondeveningasItakeaccountofmyachievementIcanonlywonderwherethedayhasgone.Mylegsarestiff,Ihaveaknotinthemuscleofmyrightshoulder,myhandsarecramped,ahangnailontheindexfingerhasbeenirritatedbythewarp,myheadiswearyfromconcentration.ButasIleanagainstmyblanketrollinthemagicoftheshorttwilightmyfingersitchtodo"justonemorerow."

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IVSand-PaintingsMarie,arrivingearlythenextmorning,findsmyhandsdecorated.IamwearingmyfavoritebluebandanafoldedthicklytiedaroundmythumbjointandfastenedaboutmywristwithasquareknotIachievedwiththeaidofmyteeth.Aneatstripofadhesivearoundmyindexfingerprotectsthehangnail,causedbythedrynessoftheair,fromcatchingintothethreads.WhenMariaAntoniacomesin,shelaughsquietlybutmirthfullyintoherlap,coveringhermouthwithherhand.Sheshowsmeathickcallusontheboneofherthumb.IrespectthatscaritisamonumenttothescoresofbeautifulblanketsMariaAntoniahaswoven.AndnowIknowthatIamnotaloneinmyinfirmity.Thepainonmyownblue-bandagedprominenceislesspoignant;ithasbecomeanhonorablescar.Ishalltrytogoforwardtothecallusideal.

Thenexttwodaystheadhesiveringsadvanceprogressively.IfIhaven'tanindexfingerhangnailtocatchintothewarps,Ideveloponeonmymiddlefinger.Obstructthatone,andthereisoneonthethirdfinger.Atitsmostornamentalstagemyrighthandhasabandanaandthreeadhesiveringsonthefirstjoints.Thoseofthefamilywhodropintoseemyprogressthatmeanstheentirefamilysmilesympatheticallywithme.Rarelydotheylaughatme.Iaccomplishmoreeachday,theworklooksbetter;Iachieveitwithgreaterease.

MarieCards

AndSpins

MarieShowsHowToHoldBattenAndComb

MariePullsTheHeald

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Westopweavingforseveraldaysbecausethereisnomorewhiteorgrayyarn.MarieandItaketimetocard,mycontributionnotaddingmuchtotheaccumulatingpileoffluffiness.Thepositionnecessaryforcardinghasmyhandscrampedinlesstimethanittakestocardasingleportion.Thenextday,however,Icankeepatithalfanhour.NinabaandMariaAntoniataketheirturnswiththeextrapairoftowcardswhentheycomeintovisit.ItryspinningtoowhenMarietakestoit.Itisnotadifficultoperationalthoughitisnoteasytoobtaincreditableresults.Spinning,likebicycleriding,isanartwhichcannotbetaught.Itcanbe"shown";afterthatonlypractisewillbringforthasatisfactoryresult.

Marietellsmeforwehaveampleopportunityforconversationnowthatnotallwomencanspin,eventhoughtheyaregoodweavers.Theyprocuretheiryarnfromfriends,someofwhomspecializeinwarpyarn,andothersinweft.All,doubtless,knowhowtocard,butitisnotafavoritediversion.Ifcardingcrampsmyhands,itisnodifferentwiththeirs.Theyaremoreaccustomed,buthandsandshouldersbecomeweary,foritishardwork.Besidesitisdirty.Contrarytothecommonnotion,woolisnotusuallycleanedbeforeitiscarded.Washingmatsitandmakesitdifficulttocard.Thecardingitselfremovesagreatamountofdirt.Sandandotherdirtloosenedbytheteethofthetowcardsfalloutofthewool.Beforecarding,itmaybeayellowlumpymattedmass.Itcomesforthfromthecardsofanexpertinawhitefluffyshapelyrectangularpad.Ilikewoolinalmostanystateorform,butitismostattractiveatthisstage.

ItrymylittlestintofcardingandspinningbutsoonleaveMarietovisittheothermembersofthefamily,whoaredoingattractivethings.Red-Pointisachanter.Thatistosay,

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heknowsmedicineandcansingfordaysandnightsonendtheorderlyriteswhichtheNavajobelievecuredisease,avertbadluck,andbringgood.ThechantswhichIthinkofascharmsincludesinging,administrationofherbalmedicine,andapplicationofsacredobjectstothebody.Amongthemostsacredarethesand-paintings,madeatparticulartimesduringthechant,byartistsallowingcoloredsandstosiftthroughtheirfingersinthemostincredibleandregularmanner.Theresultisanastonishingcompositionofsymbolicalfiguresinthesoftestshadesofblack,blue,yellow,white,red,andpinkonapaletanbackground.Theartiststhemselvesneedskill,buttheyneednotknowthepictures.Thatisthedutyofthechanterwhodirectsthem.Theart,abeautifulandunusualone,isevanescent.Paintingswhichtakehourstomakeare,bytherulesofthechant,ruinedintwentyminutes,removedinlessthanhalfanhouraftertheircompletion.

Forthesereasonsthereisconsiderableinterestonthepartofwhitestopreservethistransitoryart.Red-Point,whosefamehasspreadfar,haslearnedtoexecutethepaintingsonpaperwithtempera.Atworkhefascinatesmeevenastheweavers.Hehasadrawingboardonwhichhefastenshispaperwiththumbtacks.Hespreadshiscolorsandbrushesonaninvertedsheepskinbesidehim,laysthedrawingboardontheground,takeshisplacebeforeit,legscrossedinfrontofhim,andpaints.Heissixty-sevenyearsold,buthishandissteady.Thetechniqueisonelearnedlateinlife,buthislinesarestraightandfirm.Leisurelyandpridefullyheworks,explainingthefigurestomeastheygrow.Heoccasionallypausesforasmokeandarest,andIwonderhowheevergetsapaintingfinished.Thesepeoplebysomesubtlealchemy

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havecompoundedcalmnessandcompetenceinablendwhosenameisaccomplishment.Thesecretoftheirformula,Isuspect,isthattheyguardagainsttheimpurityoffussiness.

AfterstayinganhourorsowithRed-PointIproceedtoAtlnaba'shouse.ShehasvisitedmebrieflytoseehowIamcomingalong,butherowninteresthasreachedaclimax.Foroverayearshehasbeenworkingonalargetapestry.Contrarytotheusualcustomwherebywomenweavethepatternsintheirheadsorintheirmind'seye,sheiscopyingasaccuratelyasshecantheexactdetailsofaframedsand-paintingwhichstandsonthegroundrestingagainstthepostofherloomframe.ItisoneofRed-Point'spaintings,theSun'sHouse.Shehaschosentouseasoftgraybackground.Inthecenteralargeportionconsistingoffourwidestripesofyellow,green,black,andwhiterepresentstheSun'sHouse.WithintheyellowstripearethehousesofSun,Moon,BlackWind,andYellowWind,eachwithasnakeasguardianandwitharainbowborder.Thecenterportionissurroundedbyarainbowofblueandred,eachstripeoutlinedinwhite.

AttheeastayellowcloudborderedwitharedandbluerainbowandsetwithfoursundogsofthesamecolorsrepresentsthehouseoftheSunPeople.Fiveofthemshowtheirheadspeepingabovetheirhouse.AsimilarblackcloudatthesouthrepresentstheSkyPeople,ablueoneatthewesttheWaterPeople,apinkoneatthenorththeSummerPeople.ThesePeoplearealldeitiesofasort.InadditiontothecloudatthenortharetheSunandMoonattheright,BlackandYellowWindsattheleft.Aboveeachriseyellow,green,black,andwhitecloudsintheformofatriangle.Eachseriesissurmountedbyabirdofdifferentplumage.Abirdalsorestson

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theheadofthecenterSummerdeity,makingfivebirdsacrossthetop.

Atlnabahasexecutedinherweavingeverydetailofthiscomplicatedpicture;shehasomittednooutline,notafeatherofavariegatedbird.IwatchhertodayevenasIwatchedherthefirstdayIsawher,withincreasingamazementatherdexterity.Shehaswoventheblackborderfromthetopdownandnowhasaboutathumb-jointlengthofthebackgroundtoworkinfromthebottom.Ittakeslongertoputinthislastportionthantodoanysimilarpieceoftheweavingoftheentireblanket.Icannotstayuntilshehasitfinished,butitisnotbecauseIambored.Themovementsofhercleverfingersareasourceofconstantadmirationtome,andIamneverwearyofwatchingthem.

Ihavewaitedtwodaysforwhiteandgrayyarn.Theyhavenotbeenwasted.Ihavebeen"seeingNavajolife,"learningNavajowords.IhavebeentoGanadofortowcardsanddyesandhavetakentheteasingmywhitefriends,thetraders,considernecessaryeachtimeIreporttothem.Idonotweaveonthemorroweither.Atlnabafinisheshertapestry.Iphotographit.Itakeher,therugneatlywrappedinunbleachedmuslin,andsuchofthefamilyastheFordwillholdtoGanado;AtlnabaandCurley's-Son,Marie,TomandtheirtwolittleboysmakeupwhatIinnocentlyregardasacapacityloadforasmall,averysmall,touringcar.

WhenwegettoGanadowehearthereisaNavajoassemblyandexhibitionatKinlichi,sevenmilestothenortheast.Wedecidetogoalongwithtwocarloadsofourwhitefriends.Weseemanypeople,Navajoandwhite,playagamblinggamewithsomeoldNavajomen,andbeforesundownstartforhome.Herearetwoboys,relativesofTomandCurley's-

Sun'sHouseBlanket

Sun'sHouseDetail

AtlnabaUnwindsSkeinAndWindsBall

Marie'sPositionofRest

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Son,whohavenowayofreturning.TheycameinatruckwhichcontinuedonitswaytoGallup.''Thereisalwaysroomforonemore,"andwetakeone,ourwhitefriendstheother.WedidourtradingatGanadobeforeweleftfortheexhibition,andwestopforourgoods.Weletoutourhitch-hikerandtakeonthreesacksofflour,oneofpotatoes,twowatermelons,andapackofmiscellaneousgroceries,coffee,sugar,cannedtomatoes,andthelike.IleaveittotheNavajotogetthegoodsandthemselvesin,andsomehowtheydosoandnevergetanylegsorskirtsinthegearseither.

Mariehaslefttheyarnspunandwoundintoskeinswithhermother,whohaswasheditanddriedit.TomorrowIcangetbacktomyweaving.

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VSympathyMarieplacestheskeinofyarnaroundherkneeandmoccasinedfoot,whereitfitsloosely.Sheunfastenstheendandunwindstheskeinintoaloosepileonthefloorbesideher.Thisadditionalmaneuverishersubstituteforthechairbackourwomenfindnecessaryforwindingyarnwhentheycannotgetamantoholditforthem.Fromtheloosepileshewindsitintoaball,andIamimpressedbyitsshape,sosimpleitis,yetsounlikeours.Aroundandaroundherspreadfingersshewindsit.Afteritisabouthalfdonesheturnsitandwindstherestoftheyarnatrightanglestoit.Herballwhenfinishedmaybelargebutitiswoundinonlytwodirections,neverinasolidballlikeourswherethestrandscrossatallanglesofthesurfaceofthesphere.

Bythistimemyhabitsarebecomingestablished.Istillhavetroubleregulatingtension;butIamconstantlyawareofthefault,andthetextureofmyfabricisimproving.Theedgesareagreaterworry,eventothisday.Iamfastapproachingthecenteroftherug,andwhenIreachitwetakeitdownbecausetheweavinghasbecometoohightoreachwithcomfort.Afterithasadvancedsomewhatoverafootfromthefloor,Isitonablanketfoldedsmallerandconsequentlyhigherastimegoeson.Whentheacheinmyshoulderbecomestoogreatandtheefficiencyinpoundingwefttoo

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little,Mariecontributesastronglittleboxwhosethreedimensionsarealldifferent.ByturningthisboxIcansitattheexactheightIneed.

ButnowthatIhavewoventothemiddleweloosenthebeamcordsandlettherugdown.Thisisthehourofmydisillusionment.UntilnowthetightnessofthewarpandthecombinedmakeshiftsofmyteachersinlooseningthewefthavemoreorlessdisguisedtheinsidiousdrawinginoftheweftwhichMarieandhermotherclearlysawfromtheverybeginning,andofwhichIwasalmostoblivious.Thecentermeasuresathumb-jointandahalflessthantheendwebeganwith.Fromthefirstblackstripeuptotheredonewhichprecedesthewideblackcenterthemeasurementsareversatile,theedgedescribesalineforwhichgeometryhasnodefinition.

Thefamilyarepresentinabodyatthisevent.Theyaremoresympatheticthanamused.Theysaymostfirstattemptsarelikethat.Mariesayssomewomenalwaysweavelikethat,nomatterhowlongtheyareatit.Tomsaystherugcanbeburiedindampsandandstretchedtoabettershape.Red-Pointsaysthisonewillnotbegood,thesecondwillalsonotbegood,butthethird,thatwillbeallright.Hesaysthisonehasanicepatternwithitsdifferent-sizedstripes,thewideblackoneinthemiddle.ItlooksliketheolddressestheNavajowomenusedtowear.Whydon'ttheyweavepatternslikethisnow,old-fashionedpatterns?

Icannotbuttakeheartatallthissympathyandinterest.Marieletstherugdown,allowingthewebtofallinalargefoldbehindtheloom.Thenwithasackingneedleshesewsthecenterofthewideblackstripefirmlytothecordswhichfastenthewarptotheclothbeam.Wearereadytostartoffanew.Ifweforgettheorderorwidthofthestripeswecan

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refertothehalfalreadyfinishednowlyingneatandlimpbehindtheloom.

OncemoreIamworkingatfloorlevel.ButnowinbringingdowntheheavycombIhittheweftagainstthewarpinsteadofmyownknees.Occasionallyawarpstrandtears.Perfectwarpnevertears.Theidealisprobablyneverreached,butthespinneralwayshasitinmind.WarpasgoodasAtlnaba'swouldnottear,however,whenstrungforsuchasmallrugasthisIammaking.Mywarpwasmadebytheoldwomanwholivesnearthewell,apitiablecreaturewhocomestovisitusoccasionally,andwhomweseeherdingsheepwhenwegotothewell.Herchiefclaimtopityisthefactthatshehasnorelatives"justthatlittlegirl."Thelittlegirlissweetandpainfullyshy,thoughascuriousasoneoftheubiquitousgoatssheherds.Theoldwomanhaslostallherdaughters,andhersons,notveryresponsible,havemarriedandmovedelsewhere.Somehowtheoldwomanandherlittlegranddaughtermanagetoholdontotheirflock,nowmuchdepleted,andtoekeoutameagersubsistence.Marieoccasionallymakesadressforthechild.ThetwocomeovertoRed-Point'squiteoftenforasquaremeal.

Assheherds,ataskallottedbyfamiliesinbettercircumstancestotheyoung,thehalf-blindoldwomanspins.Inreturnforthemanyfavorsourfamilydoeshershegivesuswarpyarn.Itisnotspeciallygoodwarpyarn,notparticularlybadeither;itcaneasilybeusedforsmallerblankets.Itwouldbeveryaggravatingtohavetouseitforalargerugbecauseofcontinualbreaking.Heryarnisdoubtlesslikeherownlife,drab,mediocre,weak.Weare,however,gratefulforitbecausewarpisnoteasytoget.

Myweavinghasnotadvancedfarbeforeawarpstrand

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tears.Mariesimplypiecesaportionin,tyingaknotatthetopofthebrokenstrand.Then,drawingittaut,shefirmlyholdsthelowerpartofthebrokenstrandasshetiesthenewpiecetotheold.Threehandsarenecessaryforthisoperation,twototietheknot,onetoholdittight.Sincethereisnotalwayssomeonearoundtoholdthestrands,theweaverusesherteeth.

Marieofcoursepiecesthefirststrandthattearstoshowme.Itrytomendthesecondmyself.Myefficientfriendshavealwayschaffedmeaboutmyinabilitytotieasquareknot.Knotshaveneverinterestedme.AccordinglyinmyblunderingfashionIinexpertlytieagrannyinthistornwarpofmine.Ineedonlytoturnthebattenonceanditisaloosewarp,nottornbutslipped.Mariewatchesnotinamusement,however,butwithshockedsurprise.Sheshowsmehowtomakeasquareknot,andnowImustpayattentionandremember.Itisofcoursenotdifficulttolearn.

Marietellsmewhymycarelessnessworriesher.Sheneverseesmetiemyshoewithoutashudder.ForthewayItieitisthewaythedeadweartheirknots.Theydoeverythingbackwardthisgrannyisabackwardknot.Thereforedoingastheydoidentifiesonewiththem,andtherecanbenoworseinducementforbadluck.WithareasonlikethisforanincentiveitisnowonderInowtieasquareknotautomatically.

Iadvancewithmyweavingtolessthanhalfthelatterhalfoftherug.Thewarpbythistimehasbecomestretchedandsmooth.Itisnolongernecessarytoflipittoseparatethestrands,ortotightenit.Indeed,itisbecomingtighterandtighterasthewebadvances.Andonceagainawarptears.Theportionofwarpleftistooshorttoallowforourpiecingitaswedidbefore,whenitwaspossibletotiebothends.We

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thereforemanipulatethelongpieceofwarpdifferentlyandhaveonlyoneknottodisguisewiththeweftinsteadoftwoaswehadbefore.

PlacidlyIweavenow,theprimarymotionshavebecomeautomaticandlesspainful.Marieiswithmemostofthetime.Iamnolongerbitingmytongueinardentconcentration,andshetellsmethefamilyimpressions.TheschoolgirlAngela,whoisherdingsheepforRed-Pointduringthevacation,issurprisedIhavelearnedeventhismuch.Onthedayofmyarrivalshehadencouraginglypredicted:"She'llneverlearntoweave.Why,shedoesn'tevenknowhowtositdown!"MarietellsmethiswithagloatingairwhichimpliesthatIhaveprovedherfaithinmeaswellasMariaAntonia'sandAtlnaba's.

ThedayaftermyarrivalatWhite-Sands,Red-Pointgavemeaname.HehascalledmeWeaving-Woman.ItellMarieIthinkitisanicename.IknowverywelltheNavajolikingfornicknames,especiallynamesthatmockatphysicalshortcomings,andIampleasedtohavedrawnonesodignified.

IknowalsothattheNavajodonotliketousetheir"real"namesordinarily.Thesenamesaresacred,givenatapublicceremony.Inoldtimestheywereusedonlywhentheownerofthenamegotinto"atightplace,"thatiswhenheneededsupernaturalaid.Atsuchatimethemererepetitionofhisnamewouldhelphim,givehimtheideaforarusewherebyhecouldentraphisenemyperhaps,orstriketheenemywithfearorimpotence.Tousethenameeverydayorasameansofdesignationwearsoutitspower.

ForthisreasonaNavajois"bashful"ifaskedhisname.Heisoftenas"bashful"abouthisnicknameoronegivenhimbywhitesasheisabouthissacredname.ConsequentlyIamsur-

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prisedtohearRed-Pointtellingmethenamesofhischildrenandgrandchildren.Evidentlythebeliefisnolongerheldbyhim.Thesacrednamesarepretty:Ninaba,Atlnaba,Yikadezba,Djiba.TheseRed-Pointfrequentlyusesinconversation.ButIdonotwishtousethem,inaddressanyway.IknowthattheNavajoaremorelikelytouserelationshiptermsthannames.Thecircleincludedbyanyoneofthesetermsisalargeone.Anywomanbelongingtomyclan,whetherabloodrelationornot,ifsheisofmygeneration,ismysister.

SoitisnotdifficultformetogiveRed-Pointthemostrespectfultermbefittinghisgenerationandmine.Heismy"maternalgrandfather";MariaAntonia,hiswife,ismy"oldmother,"thatismy''maternalgrandmother."Buttheirchildren,Marie,Atlnaba,andBenWilson'swifearemycontemporariesandIcanhardlycallthem"mother"or"aunt."Inthisfree-lancesortofrelationshiponereservesthepleasureofinconsistencyandIcallthem"youngersister."Onereasontheyareinterestedinmyageistoknowwhethertocallme"older"or"youngersister."

Thisadoptionofkin-terms,asmatter-of-facttothisfamilyandtotheirNavajofriendsastheirabilityatweavingorherding,hasamusingaswellaspuzzlingimplicationswhenwhitesareconcerned.Marieismyyoungersister,herhusbandTomismybrother-in-law.Theirtwocharminglittleboysaremysons.AtlnabaandCurley's-SonhavethesamerelationshipasMarieandTom;andtheirintelligentcapableNinaba,Iamproudtocallmydaughter.BenWilson'sthreelittlegirlswhotumbleintomyhouseoverthehighstepsofitsentrancearealsomydaughters.Thetermsformychildrenarenotinconsistent.Awomanandallhersistersarecalledbythesamename,"mother,"andeachone

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ofthegroupcallsherownchildrenandthechildrenofalltheothers"child."SoI,bygettingthreesisters,securesixdelightfulchildren.MarieandItalkoverallthis.Sheknowsenoughofwhitepeopletorealizehowamusingthesystemis,butsheispleasedaboutit,asaretheothers.

OnedayAtlnabawhohasmanypetsunderfootinherownhouse,tellsmethepedigreeofNellie,thelittlewhitemotherdogwesawonourfirstvisit.Sheisthe"youngersister"oftheyellowdogthatbites;shehasagrandmotherandnumerousgrandchildren,alsounclesandaunts.Theapplicationofkin-termstothedogsandotheranimalsistheheightofwhimsicalityandgoodpractiseformeinusingkinshipterms.ImusttalkNavajotoAtlnaba;wejoke,andsuchjokesastheseareintherangeofmycapacityandoftheappreciationofusboth.

TheweavingofthefirstblanketisnowsofaradvancedthatIamconsideringapatternandcolorsformynextone.Itistobelargerandmorepretentiousbecauseitwillhavedesign.ItisonmymindasIcriticisethisonefromthevantagepointofmytrunk.Mygrandmotherandsistersweavetheirpatterns"outoftheirheads,"buttheycannotbeexpectedtoweaveone"outofmyhead."SoIsketchonewithcoloredcrayonintheintervalswhenIhavenovisitors,andafterseveralattemptsIamsatisfiedwithit.Ihavedrawnitinblack,white,andred.ButIhavebeenmuchimpressedwiththecombinationofblack,white,andgreeninthecenterofAtlnaba'ssun-houseblanket.Shehasachievedanunexpectedlygoodshadeofgreen.Idecidethat,ifwecangetthatshadeinourdyeing,Iwillmakethenextoneblack,white,andgreen.Thiswillallowmetogetcriticismsfrommyteachersandvisitorsatdepartingfromthecustomarycolors.

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VIMarieLearnstoWeaveItisaboutthisperiodinmyownweavingcareerthatMarietellsmethestoryofherownstrugglesinlearning."Youhavegoodyarnandgoodtools,"shesays,"andwehelpyouallwecan.Yououghttolearnfast.WhenIlearnednoonewouldhelpme,andIhadtoteachmyself."Sosaying,shetellsmethefollowingstory.

WhenAtlnabawaslittle,anoldersisterwhowasanexpertweaverwasliving.Atlnaba,amerebabyoffour,earnestlywatchedheroldersisteratherwork.Finally,Atlnabasaidshewantedtoweavetoo.Theeldersthoughtherdesireamusing,butAdjibawaslenientandletthebabytrytoweaveonherownblanket.Thesistershowedthechildhowtowork;shelearnedremarkablyfast.Shehadnoloomofherownatfirst,butifshemademistakeshersisterpatientlyravelledtheworkandrewoveitcorrectly.BythetimeAtlnabawasfiveshewasaqualifiedweaver.Shemadeblanketswhichthetrader,makingfewallowancesforaninfantprodigy,consideredsalableandboughtashewouldfromagrown-up.

MarieisonlythreeyearsyoungerthanAtlnaba,butwhenshewasaboutsixAdjibadied.Atlnabawasnowanexperiencedweaver.Red-Pointwasproudofher,butthefamilytookherskillprettymuchforgrantedastheydidthatofher

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mother.ItwasaboutthistimethatMariebegantoyearntoweave.Butnowshewasbigenoughtoherdsheep.Inthosedays,nearlythirtyyearsago,theflockswerenotaslargeastheyarenow.Therewerenohighwaysanddangerswerefew.Neverthelesssomeonehadtodrivethesheeptopastureinthemorning,watchthemduringthedayandherdthembacktothecorrals.Atlnabawastooexpertatweavingtoberequiredtodothiswork.Weavingissedentary,herdingisnomadic.Thetwoactivitiesareincompatible.Itispossibletodooneortheother,inconvenienttodoboth.

WhenMariebeggedhermother,whowasnotindulgentlikeheroldersister,nowgone,toteachhertoweave,themotheransweredthatshecouldnothaveherweavingspoiledbyexperimentation,nordidshehavetimetoravelmistakes.Andbesides,howcouldoneweavewhenonehadtoherdsheep?AfterbeingthusungraciouslyrepulsedMariewas,ifpossible,evenmorefascinatedbytheloomsandtheirequipment.Duringthetimeshespentathomeshehoveredaspersistentlyasagoatabouthermother'sloom,sittingasnearhermotheraspossiblewhenshewasweaving,nowbeforetheloomandnowbehinditwhenhermotherwasawayfromit.

Earlyinthemorningthelittlegirldrovethesheepoutofthecorralandawaytothesouth.Shelovedthesoftgreenofthesagethroughwhichshedrovethem,thearomaticfragranceitexudedwhentrampledbythegoats,itspoignantredolencewhenwarmedbythesunafterarain.Shefoundherownchewing-gumonthestickybranchesofthehardypiñonswhich,withthegnarledjunipers,clumpedherpastureland.Duringtheseasonforpiñonnutssheatethemfromthetimetheybegantoformintheirprettycones,untiltheywereripe,whenshespenthoursgatheringthem.

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Sometimesshesatforhoursunderajunipertree,stillasacat,butnotmenacing,watchingthebirdsandlisteningtotheirchatter.Sheknewwheretwobrilliantbluebirds,heraldsofthedawn,hadtheirnest.Shehadwatchedthembuildit,hadfollowedthelivesoftheparentsandthefledglingsuntiltheywerelargeenoughtoflyaway,whenshemissedthemsorely.Thebluebirds'nestwaseastofMarie'shome.

Towardthesunsettherewasapairofturtledoveswhichsheknewasintimatelyassheknewherownbabysister.Thewellwasatthesouth.Onaledgeofthewellwasanestofphoebes*.Fartothenorth,inwhichdirectionshedrovethesheeptowaterindryweather,therewasaholeinarockwall.Inthisholetherewasafamilyoffieldmicewhichshecouldnotreachwithherhand.Buttheywerenotafraidofher,andafterthebabieswereoldenoughtolooktheworldintheeyetheycameoutandletherpetthem.

InJulyandAugusttherewereshowersalmosteveryafternoon.Sometimestheyweregentleandcooling,thekindherpeoplecalledfemalerains.Nothunder,nolightning,nowind,justalightcurtainofrefreshmentwhichthesunhadnodifficultyinpenetrating.Whenitdid,therewasacompleterainbowinthesky,oreventwo.Ortheremightbeshowers,longblackstreamersfromskytodistantmountain,whichshecouldseewhilebaskinginsunlightherself.Sometimesthesuncaughtarain-streamerhigherupthantherestandthrewtheendofarainbow,asundog,onthemountain.Itwasjustlikethelittlesunraftsonwhichthegodsofherfather'ssand-paintingsstood.DuringafemalerainMariedidnotseekcoverbutranaboutinit,soundingthedeepestpuddleswithherlittlebarefeet.

Astheseasonadvancedtherainsgrewintostorms.Male

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rains,withwind,thunder,andlightning,gatheredtheirfury.Mariewasagoodjudgeofweather,andifshethoughtamalerainwasapproachingshetriedtogetthesheepbacktothecorralbehindherhousebeforethestormbroke.Butthereweredayswhenshedrovetheflocksixmilestowater,andonthesedaysatempestmightovertakeher.Allshecoulddothenwastohuddleunderherblanket,becomingsmallerandsmallerinfearandloneliness,untilthestormpassedby.

Duringherwanderings,shefoundpretty,smoothstonesbrightlycoloredandoddlyshaped.Shemadealittlecacheofthesewhichshecouldalwaysfind,thedaysshedrovetheflocktothesouthwest.Wherevershewent,shecouldfindstickswithwhichtobuildtinycorrals,andplentyofadobefromwhichshemodelledlittlesheepandgoats,evencattleandhorses.Yes,therewasplentyofentertainmentforashepherd-girl,evenforthelonghoursshewasleftalone.Butthebeautiesandpleasuresoftheearthwereasnaughttothechildwhowantedtoweave.

Afteraperiodduringwhichherlongingbecameintense,andafterhermother'srebuffs,shedeterminedtolearntoweave.Ifhermotherwouldnotshowher,shewouldteachherself.Ifshecouldnotusehermother'simplements,shewouldmakeherown.Accordinglysheconstructedacrudelittleloomoftwouprightsandtwocrosspieces.Hermotherandsisterusednicesmoothbroomsticksfortheirbeams.Shehadonlyrough,toughstickswhichshetriedtomakeassmoothaspossiblewiththeknifeshesecretedinthefoldsofherskirt.

Herbatten,insteadofbeingcarefullyfashionedofhardoakbyherfather,wascutfromsoftpine.Inhereffortstomakeasmoothonesheshavedseveraldownsothinshehad

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todiscardthemandtryagain.Herbestbattencaughtintothewarpandfrequentlytoreit.Hermotherhadnicecombsofallsizes,madeofhardwoodandsmoothedwithuse.Herswereahodgepodgeofstickstiedtogethertosimulateacomb.Theytoocaughtintothewarp,pulledattheweft,orbecamesotwistedthatshehadtostopweavingtomakeanewcomb.Theywerealltooflimsytobecomewornbyage.But,suchastheywere,shehadherloomandherimplements.

Theloom,thoughsmall,wasneverthelessanawkwardobjecttocarryabout.Eachtimeshebroughtthesheephome,dailyataboutnoonandsunset,shehadtocarryitwithher,foritwasnotlikelyhermotherwouldorderhertoherdinthesamedirectiontwiceinsuccession.Shebroughttheloomeachtimeneartothehouseandhungitonatreeoutofhermother'ssight.

Hergreatestproblemwastogetmaterials.Therewerelargequantitiesofwoolabouttheplace.Shewaslearningtocardandspin.Butshehadnotowcardsofherown,andshecouldnottakeawaywithheroneofthetwopairsthefamilyowned.Neithercouldshe,exceptbystealth,takethefruitsofherownlabor.Suchbehaviorwouldexcitesuspicion.Shesolvedherproblemquitesimplybutwithconsiderablerisk.Shefilchedsmallquantitiesoftheundyedyarnsheherselfspun,givingherwhiteandgray.Redandblackshestolefromhermotherasshedidherwarp.

Herownspinningwasfarfromgoodenoughforwarp.Thiswasthemostdifficulttoobtain,forhermother,likeotherwomen,cherishedherwarpandalwaysknewquiteexactlyhowmuchshehad.SoMariewasabletotakeonlyverysmallamountseachtimeshemadearaidonhermother'swarpball.Herwarpwhenaccumulated,thoughwellspun,

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wasconsequentlyfullofknotssquareknots;shewouldtakenochancewithghostsbecauseitwasamassoflittlepieces.Theweftyarn,beinginshortlengths,wasnotsoinconvenient,forweftisconstantlyandsimplypiecedthroughouttheweavingevenunderidealcircumstances.

Itwasnotlongbeforeshecouldweavestripes,butshewantedtomakedesigns.Ifhermotherorsisterwereweavingwhenshewashome,shewatchedintently,tryingtoseehowthedesignsweremadeandwhereinherownmistakeslay.Buttheskilfulfingersflewsoquicklytherewasnoseeingwhichwarpstrandswereforwardorback,orhowmanyforwardstrandswerenecessaryforthistriangle,orhowtomakethesteepersidesofthatone.

Shewasnowadeptatherthieving.Whenhermotherstoppedtocook,shestationedheryoungersisterbeforethedoorofthehogan.ShewastowarnMarieiftheirmotherreturnedtothehouse.AfterMariehadstolenasupplyofyarn,shehadtimewiththepointedendofthecombtopushhermother'spatternup,thuslooseningitsoshecouldcountthestitches.Aftersuchadissectionsheagaintriedherowndesign,butitdidnotlookright.Sothenextdayshecrawledbehindtheloomwhilehermotherwasweaving.Sheseizedeveryopportunitytodothislikeapuppynuzzlingasleepingplace.ButMariewasfarfromasleep.Whenhermotheraskedinastonishmentwhyshesatthere,Marieansweredthatshepreferreditasaplacetosit.Themenallteasedher;butafterall,ifshewantedtositthere,whatharmwasit?Shesattheresothatshecouldcountthewarpsashermotherwove.

Soshecontinuedthestruggle.Sometimesshebecamesodiscouragedshethrewtheloomawayfromherinarageandvowednevertogonearitagain.Butitsverycrudenessfasci-

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natedher;shegathereditupagain,andwithtearsofdisappointmenttried"justoncemore."Finallythefirstofherblanketswasfinished.Insteadofproudlytakingithome,shehungitinshameonatreeasfarfromherhoganassheevertookthesheep.Threeofherworksofartbecamethepreyoftheelementsbeforehermotherfoundoutthatshecouldweave.

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VIIResultsWhenIstartedtoweaveMariaAntoniahadbroughtawholearmfulofreedsofdifferentsizes.Weareusingtwomedium-sizedonesforhealdsandfourthinonesinsteadofshuttles.Theresthavebeenlyingbehindtheloom.Whentherugisaboutthree-quartersfinishedInoticeitisbecomingincreasinglydifficulttopullthehealdforward.Furthermore,thebattenoftensnaps.Iamnotwary,donotknowitisgoingtoplaymethistrick,andwhenitsnapsfromhorizontaltoverticalitgivesmyfingersatellingrap.Marie,asusualwithoutsayingwhy,givesmeanarrowbattenwhichshehasbroughtwithher.Thishelpsagreatdeal,forthewarpisbecomingbythistimetightindeed,sotightthateachoperationtakesmuchlongerthanitdid.

Itisnotlongbeforethisbattenseemstoolarge,andbythistimewehavealargeassortmentofthem,foratMariaAntonia'srequestNinabahasbroughtthemfromAtlnaba'shogan.Asthewarpgetstootightforthebattenweareusingwechangetothenextsmallersize.Thebattenwestartedtheblanketwithwastwothumbs(twoandone-halfinches)wide,theoneweuselastisonlythewidthoftwowarps(aboutone-quarterinch).Thetightnessofthewarp,evergrowinguponus,makeseachoperationmoredifficult.Ittakesmorestrengthtothrowtheshedsandthestrainthe

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warpsdobear!Occasionallyonehavingbecomethinasahairsuccumbsandwehavetopieceit,butothers,alsoapparentlythinasahair,seemtohavespiderweb.strength.Becauseofthesmallspacethroughwhichtooperate,itisimpossibletouseawoundreedforashuttle.NowImoistenthesplinteredendofareed,givetheparticularweftIamusingatwistaboutit,andcarryitlikeapushingneedlethroughasfarasitwillgo.Sometimesitgoestheentirelength,butmorefrequentlytheyarnslipsoffthereedbeforeithaspassedquiteacrossthewidthoftheblanket.Insuchcasetheyarnmustagainbecoaxedtoadheretothereed,andgentlythoughfirmlythecombinationisthrustthroughtheremainingdistance.

Westillhaveabouttwothumbs'lengthtogo.Marienowtakesupherpositionbeforetheloom.Herhandsareworkinghigh,andshesitswithherlegscrossedattheankles,restingherweightonherkneesandtoes.Thisisapositionofrest.ItryitbutfindIshouldhavenomindleftformyweavingifIassumedit.''Howdoyoueversitthatway,Marie?"Iexclaim."They'realwayslaughingatmefordoingso,"shesmilesback.

Butnowsheisweavingfromthetopinsteadoffromthebottom.Whenpressingthewefttowardthetopthecomboccasionallyslipsoutofitsplaceandcausesherfingerstorubsmartlyoverthebindingcordsofthewarpbeam.Inmyhandsitslipsoftener.

Wefinallygettheupperweavingstraight.Itshouldhavebeenuniformlystraight,butthemistakes,soinnocentwhentheyoccurredandseeminglycorrected,havefollowedustotheend.Marieneverdidgetthelengthofthatwarpontheleftsidequiteevenwiththeright.She,givenherhead,would

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doubtlesshavebeenabletocorrectittoadegree.Butshehashadtocontendwithmycontinualdrawinginoftheweft,andwehavenowakindoffanspreadasweapproachtheupperleftcorner.Theupperblackstripeisathumbwiderattheleftthanattheright.Marieweavesinthediagonalofthestripe.Ihavelessthantwoinchesstilltodo.Ihadplannedtofinishittoday,butIhavenotlearnedhowtediousaretheselasttwoinches.

NextdayIamupbetimes,atworkbeforeMariecomes.Iliketotryouttheworkbymyselfandgetverylittlechance.Itisincreasinglydifficultnowtogeteventhenarrowestbattenbetweenthesheds.ButwhenMariecomesshetellsmetouseoneofthereedswithaflatendwhichliesamongthebunchhermotherlaidbehindtheloom.Sheselectsonethatissmoothandconcavefromuse.Itsendisnotmorethanone-quarterofaninchwide.Shealso,ruthlesslyitseemstome,pullsthehealdrodoutfromtheloopsithasbeenholding,windsupthecordthatmadethehealdloopsandputstheballbehindtheloomtobeusedagain.Itisunbelievablethatthethicknessofsuchthinsoftyarncouldmakesuchadifference,buteachmillimeterofwarpreleaseaffordsarelief.

Withoneoftheflat-endedreedsIstruggleononewarpatatime.Theworkfinallybecomessotightthatwecannolongerusetheflattenedreeds,andnowMariaAntoniaplaysherlasttrump.Shehasapartofanumbrellaribwithaneyeinoneend,bluntontheoppositeend.Wethreadtheyarninthisanduseitlikeabeadingneedle.

Itisnowimpossibletoworkacrosstherug,sowetaketheyarnbackandforthforadistanceofonlythreeorfourinches.Ithinkthetopandbottomaresoclosethatnotan-

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otherweftcanbeinserted.WhereuponMariecomesaftermeandworksinatleastfiveorsixmore.AftereachspaceispackedsufficientlytosuitevenMarie,shetakesthepointedendofthecombandwithbriskrapidmotionspullstheupperweftsdown,theloweronesupuntilthereisnotellingwherethejoincomes.Iamworkingonthenextthreeinchestotheleft.

"Somepeoplearenotcarefulaboutthewaytheyfinishtheirrugs,"shevolunteers."Wealwaysmakethemverytightsoyoucan'ttellwheretheyhavebeenfinished.Theywearbetterthatway."

Atlastwegetitdone,anditislateintheafternoon.Thisweavingisatime-eater.

Iammuchexcitedabouttakingdowntherug.Weloosenthelargecordoftheframebeamandtheloomcollapses.Weuntietheendsoftheedgestrandsandtaketheloomfromtheloomframe.

Wehavestilltounfastentherugfromtheupperandlowerbeams.Mariebeginswiththelower,Itaketheupper.Iseethatshepullsthelongstrandoutfrombetweeneachtwowarpswhichitfastened.Ifshecomestoaknotwhereithasbeenpatchedshecarefullyuntiesit.Wehaveuntiedeveryknotwehavecomeupon;itwouldbealmostasacrilegetocutthestringbecauseweneverwasteanything.Atlastwehavetherugloose.

Ilayitonthefloor.Butsomehowitdoesn'tlie.Itlookstheembodimentofinherentmotion,asifitmightgetupandwalkoutthedoorifwedonotwatch.Itissinuous.Asnakehasperfectarticulationandmusculature.Thishasneither;neitherhasitline.Itisathingapart,aformwithoutaname.

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Iamcrestfallen.Iunderstandnowthestrugglesofthewomenearlyinthegenesisoftheblanket.Iunderstandhowimportanttheedgesare.MariaAntoniaonherwaypastthehousetothecorralstopsin.Shetakesthesackingneedleandloosensseveraledgestitchesoneachside,thussmoothingoutseverallargegathers.Buttherugstilldoesnotlieflat.MycuriosityaboutthesuggestionTompreviouslymadeaboutstraighteningtheedgesbyburyingtherugindampsandisgreaterthanmyhopesforitsimprovement.Noneofusisproudenoughofittotakeupthesparelengthsofedgewarptoformthecornertassels.

Iamnotlikethechild,Marie.Ihavefinishedmyfirstrug,Imustneedsshowittomyfriends.Icanalwaysmakeitanighttogoformail.Iwrapuptheblanketinaspreadfloursack,oursubstituteforpaper,andstartrollingoffthesixmilestothetrading-post.Iknowtheblanketisnogood;IamdisappointedbecauseitisevenworsethanIexpected,butthereisafeelingofelationthatoneisfinished.IconsiderwhatIhavelearnedratherthanthefinishedproduct.Itisdifficulttobedowncastinthemellowlightofthedisappearingsunasitshinesoncañonandmesa.

IhavenosuccessatachievinganonchalantattitudeasIenterthetradingstore.AtleastIrestrainmyselffromshowingtheblankettotheassembledhangers-on.AtlastOld-Mexican's-Sonisfree.AsIdisplaytheblankettohimprivatelyIask,"Howmuchwillyougivemeforthis?"Heanswers,"Twobitsandapoundofcoffee."Arbuckle's,hemeans.Ireplyitisworthmorethanthattome,asIwrapitagaininitsfloursack.

Itakeittoshowtothewomen."Myfirstblanketisdone,"

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Iannounce.Theyarealldyingtoseeit,butasIslowlyandtantalizinglyunwrapit,Iexacttheassurance,"Promisemenottolaugh."Theypromise.Asthestripesheldtogetherbysomesortofirregularrhythmappearandstartacrosstheroomtheyburstwithoneaccordintoachorusofmerriment.

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VIIIAtTheWellMywhitefriends,withthatthoughtfulnessandunderstandingforwhichtheyareknownoverthisentirecountry,haveuponmyarrivalatGanado,putaroomatmydisposal.ImayuseitasIshouldmyown,comeinanydayatanyhour,stayaslongasIlike,vacateforweeksifIlike.Icelebratethecompletionofthefirstblanketbystayingovernight,gettingcaughtuponnews,examiningthenewrugswhichhavecomeintothetrading-post.

IambackatmyNavajohomebyeightthenextmorning,andasIliftthericketydooroutofitscrevice,asenseofemptinessstrikesme.Thehouseseemsdesolate,asifafriendlypresencehasgone.Itmustbethatthisimperfect,unsatisfactorywebIhavebroughtintobeinghastakenholdofmeduringthelastweekwithoutmyknowingit.Notlikeadogwhichhasbeenlongandlovinglyunderfoot,butmorelikeanuglyantiquewhichhasstoodaroundsincechildhoodandisatlastrelegatedtotheSalvationArmy.

DuringthelastfewdaysofweavingthefirstblanketMariehasrepeatedlyandinterestedlyinquiredaboutmynextone.Whatcolorsshallweuse?Howbigisittobe?Ihaveshownherthedesignofwhichsheapproves,asdotherestofmycriticsandvisitors.Shesaysshehasenoughwarpforthesize.ButitisonlythismorningthatIlearnthathermother,

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Atlnaba,Ninaba,andshehavebeenindustriouslycardingandspinningtheyarnforthenewrug.

Iamveryemphaticaboutthedyeingofthegreen,enoughfortheentirerugmustbedyedatoncesowedonotgetseveralshades.Yes,ofcourse,butwehaveenough.Wehavefourskeins,largeskeins,ofwhiteandfourofblack.Wemaydyetwowhiteonesgreenandweshallhavetodyetheblack."Allblackmustbedyed,"saysMarie."Theblackwillbecomebrownifnotdyed.""Justlikeoldhair,"Iremark."Youknowwhitepeoplesometimeskeepcurlsorhairanditalwaysgetslighter."''Justthesame,"agreesMarie.

Tomcomesinaswediscussourneeds.Hedoesnotlaughatthefirstblanketalthoughhealsodoesnotminimizeitsfaults."It'sprettygoodforthefirst,"heremarksashefinisheshiscigarette."Whenareyougoingtothewell?""Arewegoingtothewell?""Weusuallydothewashinganddyeingtherebecausethereismorewater,"heanswersplacidly.Theyleavetocollectthenecessaryarticlesforourworkatthewell.MariehasarrangedwithTomthatheneednotgotowaterthesheepbecauseRuby,theschoolgirl,willdrivethemoverandMariewillhelpherdrawthewater.WhenMariaAntoniafindsoutTomisnotgoingshedecidestogowithus.

WhenIamready,shortlyafter,weforgatheraboutJonathan,theFord.ThereareMariaAntonia,Marie,herlittleboys,BenandDan,Yikadezba,thethree-year-olddaughterofouryoungestsister,atub,threebuckets,thehalf-dozenskeinsofyarn,fouremptyglasswaterbottleswithcarvedwoodenstopperswoundaboutwithrags,myowncanteens,atowrope,apieceoflaundrysoap.MariehasthetwopackagesofdyeIbroughtfromGanado.Wedrivesouthwardtwomilesalongthehighwaytothewellonwhichthefamilyandothers

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inthevicinitydependfortheirwatersupply.Itisontheoppositesideofasandywash.Wecouldofcourseleavethecaronthefarside;butwehavesomanythings,andwhyshouldwecarrythemover?

Thepartyturnsintosomethingresemblingapicnicbutthereisnofood.MarieasksmeinasomewhatstartledtoneifIhaveamatch.FromsomewhereIproducejustone.Itisasgoodtoherasaboxful.Shefillstwobucketsfromthewellanddisappearsupthebankofthewashcarryingthem,isgoneforsomeminutes.MeanwhilehermotherandIfastenoneendofourropetotheremainingbucket,throwitoverthepulleyandtietotheotherendaricketydentedpailwhichstandsbythewell.Itissofullofholesitalmostemptiesinthetimeittakestopullitup.Butonthetheorythattwobucketsarebetterthanoneweloweritalternatelywiththewholeoneandfillthetub.

MariaAntoniathenplungestwoofthewhiteskeins,carefullytiedatthetopsoasnottotangle,intothewaterwhichthewoolsoaksupinabrownishyellowway.Standingoverthetubwithkneesunbentshevigorouslyrubssoapintothewetyarn.Afterafewminutesofkneadingthefoamymassthewaterhereispleasantlysoftthewoolappearswhiteandclean.Shepressesoutthesoapywater,whichhasbecomethecolorofthesandthetubstandson.Wedrawafewmorebucketfulsofwaterandsherinsestheyarnagaininthekneadingfashion.Itemergescreamywhite,sofluffyIcanhardlybelieveitiswet,withaninvitingwet-woollyodor.MariaAntoniafindstheloopswhichtietheskeinsatthetop,shakesthemseveraltimesandhangsthemonthewoodensupportsofthewellplatformtodry.

AsMariaAntoniaandIoncemorebegintodrawwater

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Mariereturnsannouncingthatthewaterforthedyeingisonthefireandwillsoonbeready.Ithenhelpherasshedrawsmoreandmorewatertofillthesheeptrough.TheflockdrivenbyRubyappearsoverthehill.MariesendsBenandDan,whohavebeenwadinginthetrough,outtotellhertokeepoffthesheepuntilwehavethetroughfilled."Iftheyallcomeup,theydrinkupthewaterfasterthanwecandrawitandthensomedonotgetenough,"explainsMarie.

AndnowIlowertheropeanditjerksupquicklyandlightly,nobucketontheend.Itwasn'tagrannyknotthistime,justneglecttotieadoubleknot.Butthebucket,ourbestoneofcourse,isatthebottomofthewell.ThewomenmerelylaughatmyawkwardnessasMarieblandlysendstheoldwarpweaver'slittlegirl,whohascomeup,toherhomeaquarterofamileawayforalongstiffwirewithahookatoneend.Wewaituntilshereturnsandthenhaveafishingparty.Wesoonhavethebucketout,andinnotimethetroughisfull.

Rubybringsupthesheep,havingonlywithdifficultykeptthemaway.Theytumbleover,aboutandaroundthewellplatform,sniffingthewool,thewaterbottlesandthesoap."Su!Su!"Thegoatswilleatthesoap!Thelargeewesandmother-goatslineupalongthetrough,soclosethatthebleatingeagerlambsandkidscannotgetwithingoat-rangeastheynoseandpushintotheintersticesofthelivingwool.Whenthelargeoneshavetheirfill,thelittleonesgettheirturn,hardlyabletoreachthetroughevenstandingonthetiptoesoftheirstubbyhindlegs.Someachieveajumptotheedgeofthetroughwhencetheyfrequentlyslipintothewaterastheyguzzleitwiththeirparchedlips.Funnybeings,these

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sheep,wiggling,curious,eternallyunsatisfied,andstupid,howstupid!...

ButMariequietlyturnsovertheemptybuckettoRuby,getsthedyesfromthefrontseatofthecarandstartsoffoncemoreupthebankofthewash.Ifollow,bearingthetwounwashedskeinsofwhiteandtheblackyarn.

Wecometoasmallfiremadeofsagebrushanddryweedsoverwhichthetwobucketfulsofwaterarebubbling.Marieliftsoffonewithastoutstick,opensthepackageofgreendyeandcasuallysprinklesabouthalfofitin.Shestirsitwiththestick;itisindeterminatelydarkish.Sheaddsalittlemoredye,carefullyfoldstheendofthepackageandlaysitatthebaseofarabbitbush.Shestirsthemixturethoroughlyagainandsetsitonthefire.Shenowtreatstheotherpailfulofhotwaterthesameway,usingawholepackageofblackdye.Whentheyhaveoncemoreboiledsheimmersesthewhitewoolinthegreenandtheblackwoolintheblackdyeandletsthemboilforperhapshalfanhour.

Wehavenothingfurthertodobutwait,andaswesitinthepleasantsunshineandwatchIamoncemoreovercomewiththecasualnessofitall.Ihaveathomerepeatedlytrieddyeing;Ihavealwaystriedtofollowwritteninstructionstotheletter;Ihaveinvariablyachievedonlystreakedresults.Mariehasheredoneonlythemostessentialthings.Thewoolhasnotevenbeenwashed;Iamsoontofinditwillnotberinsedthedyeingsufficesforcleansingandcoloring.VerilyNavajowaysarenotourways.OccasionallyMariestirstheyarnandliftsittotestthecolor.Toolight,noteven,sheletsitboillonger.

Atlastsheconsidersitfinished,andafterpouringoutthedyeandliftingtheyarnonsticksshefinallycoolsitenoughto

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pressout;eventuallyshepressesitreasonablydry.Wegatherourwaterbottlesandcanteens,placethewhitewoolnowdryinthetub,thewetblackinonebucket,thewetgreeninanother.Wehaveoursoap,ourrope,whatremainsofthegreendye.Butnow,tomysurpriseeachwomanandeachchildisholdingakidoralambandintendstotakeithome.MariesaystheybecameseparatedfromtheflocksomedaysagoandafterRubyhaddrivenourflockoffaboywhohadfoundthemwateredhisandgavethembacktoMariaAntonia.

Weareloaded,andIstartacrossthewashinwhatIthinkaretheusualtracks.Ihavenotbeencarefultohavemymotorgoingintheproperrhythm,Ihavegoneabouthalfacarwidtheastoftheusualtracks.Thecarstops.Istartitandtrytopullforwardwithnosuccess.Itryreverseandthewheelsspin.Irunthemotoruntilitsoundsmoreefficientandtrybothwaysagain.Wedonotmove.Weunloadourmiscellaneousbutnotheavyloadandlookintothesituation.Ithadseemednodifferentfromusual.ButIhadforgottenthatthedaybeforetherehadbeenashortthoughheavyshower.Ithadrefreshedusall,butitseffectsexceptformakingcolormoresteelysharphadbeenshort-lived.Apparentlyshort-lived!

Thisseemstobeadayoferrors.Therain,true,hadprettywellobliteratedtheusualtrackacrossthewash,butalittleforesightcombinedwithalittleNavajosensewouldhavesavedusagreatdealoftrouble.Myslightdigressionhasputthecarindryquicksandsjustabovetheoldwellnowcoveredover.Theharderwetrytopullout,thewomenpushing,thedeeperwesinkin.

ThenoldCurley,thefatherofTomandAtlnaba'shus-

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band,ridesup.Heisawizenedsoulwithsmilingwrinklesabouthiseyesandmouth.Heridesasmallwirybayhorsewithacream-coloredmane.Weaskhimtotowus.Wetietheropetothefrontbumper,heholdsitwoundtwiceroundthepommelofhissaddle,thehorsepullswithallhismightevenasJonathanpullswithallthepowerofhislowestgear.Thewheelsdigdeeperintothequicksands.AsIjackupthecar,puttingonthechains,tworiderscomelopingupgayly.

Onehasastolidframe,buttheusualjollyexpressionoftheNavajointhefaceoftheunusual.HisstrawberryroanisheavierthanCurley'sbay.Heannouncesblithelythathewillsimplyliftthecaroutofthehole."Oh,youcanneverdothat,"Iexclaim."Why,itismuchtooheavy!""Buthealwayswinswhenwehavecontestsinlifting!''sayshiscompanion."Well,ofcourseyoucantry,"sayIdubiously.CurleytellsMarie:"Youmayjustaswellleavethecarandgohome.You'llnevergetitoutofthere."Thestrongmananswers,"WhenIgetthatcaroutofthereIwillgohome,andnotbefore."

Whereuponhedigshisheelintohishorse'sbellyandtrotsoutofsight.Inlesstimethanittakestotell,hereappearsdraggingthreelongpoles,halfovercomewithdryrot,inhislasso.Hedismounts,untiestherope,liftsapoleabovehishead,bringsitdownwithtellingforceandathree-footpiecebreaksoff.Hecontinuesuntilhehasthethreepolesbrokenintoshortlengths.ThenhedirectsCurleyandhiscompaniontoliftwithalltheirforcewhenhesays,"Yego!"andtellsustoshovethelogsunderwhentheylift.Theysettheircombinedstrengthtothecar'srightmudguard."Yego!"andthecarrisessixinches.MarieandI,almostlyingonourstomachs,eachgetalogunderthewheel.Werepeatthemaneuveron

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theothersideandtrythemotor.Wediscoverthattopullforwardinvolvesclimbingagrade,veryslightbutneverthelessahindrancewhereeveryounceoftractioncounts.SoIdecidetoworkbackward.Ifwecanmovethreefeet,weshallbeoffthequickypartandontoroughsand.

Wegainperhapssixinches,butassoonasthewheelsgetofftheshortcorrugatedroadwehavemadeforthemtheyagainbegintospin.Afterrepeatingtheexperimenttwoorthreetimesduringeachofwhichwegainthewidthofthecombinedlogs,Iperceivethatwemustincreasethelengthofourroughsurface.Ifindthatquiteunnoticed,apieceofheavycanvasliesonthefloorofthecar.Tub,bottles,andbucketsareliftedandthecanvasisdraggedout.Iputitnearthelogs,justbehindtherightwheel.Themenliftagain.HastilyIplacemylogbutfirstslidethecanvasunder.Mariepushesherloginnexttomine.Wegetbothunderthewheel.Wehaveonlythethreepiecesoflogundertheleftwheel.Oncemorewetrythemotor.Andnowthecarshowssignsofarealwilltomovebackwardwiththerightwheel,buttheleftholdsitbackassoonasithasmovedoffthelogs.

Imakeupmymindtoconcentratealleffortsonthenexttry.Curleyseestheforceofthecanvasidea,seesalsoitistoonarrowtodoforbothwheelsandinatricewhipshisblanketoffhissaddleandlaysitundertheleftwheel.Wenowhavelogsforbothsidesandfabricstoextendtheroughsurface.IaskCurleytolethishorsetrytowingoncemore,thistimetyingontotherearaxletopullthecarbackward.Thestrongmanrealizesweareusingallouracesonthisplay.Hetieshislassoalsototherearaxle.Heliftsthecaroncemoreontoitslogs.Iclimbtothewheel,hetohissaddle.Themenholdtheropesfirmlyaroundthepommels.Marieandthestrongman's

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companionpush.I,witheverygaspofhiscarburetor,coaxJonathantohisutmost.Isliptheclutchandgivehimthegas,allthegas!Thehorsesstrain,thepushersstrain.Suddenlyweallfeelthatsurprisingmovementforwhicheachpusherfeelsthathe,andhealone,isresponsible.Thecarismoving,movingitgrips,thehorsespickuptheirfeettogetoutoftheway.Withaconcertedwarwhoopweareout,oncemoreonthefirmsandbytherealwell.

Threefeetwehadtogo.Fourhoursittooktogoit.IthasbeenmycustomintheNavajocountry,neverbeforehavingbeenidentifiedwithafamily,topaysuchmenandhorsesashavehelpedmeoutofa"tightplace."SoItelltheseveryamiableboysthatIhavenomoneywithme,butiftheycomeuptothehouseIwillpaythem.Theymount,oncemoreweloadupourchildrenandkids,andstartoff,thistimetakingadetouronthewellsideofthewash,therebyavoidingthecrossing.Tiredandhungrywearrivehome;itisnowthreeo'clockandwehavehadnodinner.TheboysgallopupinnotimeandIgivethemeachsomesilver.TheyaremuchpleasedastheyrideoffandsoamI.

Red-Pointrideshomesingingintheresplendenceofthesettingsun.AshedrinkshiseveningcoffeeMarietellshimofouradventure.Heisamused;onlythosehappeningsarecalamitieshereoverwhichmanhasnocontrol.ButwhenMariecomestotheendofhertalehisamusementturnstoindignation.Hegulpshislastdropofcoffeeand,followedbyMarie,proceedsrapidlytomyrooftop,whereIamasusualabsorbingtherestfulcharmofthesunsethour.Red-Pointisalmosttooexcitedtolighttheprofferedcigaretteashebursts

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intoaperfecttiradeagainstthe,inmyopinion,veryobligingyouthswhohelpedusoutofourdifficulty.

"Youwouldn'thavehadtopaythemanythingifIhadbeenhere!"ThenhechidesMarieforlettingmepaythem,almostblamesherforinterpretingmywishtodoso."TheveryideaoftakingmoneyforhelpingNavajooutoftrouble!"

Thisdayhasbeenahardone,thinkI,asIstretchmybackflatonmyblanketsundertheGreatDipper.Musclesaresoreandtired,wehaven'tgotmuchdone,butwhatagrandfatherIhave,whatanamazinggrandfather!

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IXTakingCounselRed-PointwassoexcitedlasteveningabouttheNavajoboystakingpayforhelpingusthathedidnotthinkofanythingelse.Today,asMarieisstringingthenewblanketoverthetemporaryframeandasIunwindtheyarnfromtheskein,preparatorytowindingtheball,hecomesin.Heisinhisusualmildtemper,butcannotrefrainfrommildremonstrance:"Toobadyoupaidthatmoney.Youwouldn'thavehadtodoitifIhadbeenhere."Hehascometoseemyfirstblanket.AsIspreaditoutItellhimthatatGanadotheyalllaughedatit.Whereuponheleapstomydefensewith,"Tellthemtomakeone."

Mariestringsupthesecondblanketexactlyaswedidthefirst.Thisoneissomethingoverfivehandswidebysomewhatoversixlong.Shehasnotenoughwarpofonekindandusestwokinds,oneheavierthantheother.WhenshecomestotwiningthewarploopswiththebindingcordsIaskhertoletmedooneendwhileshedoestheother.Shemakesnoobjection,butwhenwearefinishedthewarpatmyendisatleastahandnarrowerthanthatatherend.Patientlyshesetsherselftothetaskofpushingeachwarploopoveraslightdistanceuntilthewarpatmyendisspreadoverthesamelengthofbindingcordashers.Eachpersonhasherownten-

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sion.MinewouldhavebeenallrightifIhadtwinedbothends.

IhavebegunwithstripesbecauseIrealizehowdifficultitistofinishoffablanketwithapatternclosetotheend.BesidesIlikestripes.ForsomereasonblanketswithbordersdonotseemtometrulyNavajo.Idoreallyknowhowtomakestripesnow.Ihavesetmyteethagainstdrawingintheweftandswornavowtogetarespectableedge.TheweftbeginstopullinslightlyasIfinishthefirstblackstripebutthistimeIdetectitandtakemeasuresagainstitimmediately.IhavelearnedtolaytheweftlooselyinascallopformationandIcannowgivethesubtletwisttothecombwhichmakestheweftfillthespacesbetweenthewarpsinsteadofpullingittightagainstthem,leavingthemexposedonthefinishedweb.Iknownowthesignsoftightnessintheappearanceofthewarpandweftandguardagainstitcontinuously.

Thisblanketismuchwiderthanthefirstone.Thedistanceacrossthefirstwasjustaboutthedistancewhichcanbeeasilymanipulatedbyonethrowoftheshedsandoneinsertionofthebatten.Ifwewoveallthewayacrossthesecondblanketweshouldhavetochangeoursittingpositionforeveryrow.Weneverdothis.Insteadweworkabouthalfofthewidth,backandforth,forthandback,foraconsiderablelength.Eachtimeweweavetotheleftwetakeuponewarplessthanweusedbefore.Whenwecomebacktotherighttheweftmakesaloopoverthisstrand.Sotheportionofweavingattherightbecomesconstantlynarrower.

WhenIhavewovenabouthalfahandlength,Imoveovertotheleftside.AttherightInowtakeuponemorewarpstrandasIadvance,thusfittingmyweavingintotheexactspaceleftoverfromthepreviousweaving.Thisjoiningin-

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volvesnoreallockingofstitches.Whentheblanketistakendown,evenifitiswellwoven,adiagonallinewillbediscerniblewherevertheweavinghasbeendonethisway.Itwillbemadebytinyholes,theresultofthemeetingoftwoweftstrandsloopedovertwoadjoiningstrands.

Itispleasanttoseetheloopssettleintotheirplaces.ThereisaslightdiversioninthemonotonyofstripesanditisastepImustunderstandinweavingdesigns.

Earlyintheafternoontheconcertedbarkingofthedogsheraldsanewcomer.Awomanridesup;ababy-boardishungonhersaddle.FortherestofthedayIamleftstrangelyalone.

Itisarareoccasion,andIprofitaccordingly.Thereissomuchtodothatrequiresconcentration,forwhichthereispracticallynoopportunity.AsIwork,Ireflecthowpeacefulthisfamilyis.Intimateacquaintancewithitshould,itseems,disclosesomeinnerdiscord.Butthereisnoevidenceofthis.Thetwopairsofyoungpeopleseemtobereallyinlovewitheachother;onecanseeitbytheglanceintheireyes.Thesons-in-lawrespecttheordersoftheoldmanandworksteadilyatbranding,farming,irrigatingashedictates.Oneortheotherhaulswaterwheneverthewaterbarrelbecomesempty.True,ifworsecomestoworst,assometimeshappens,wewomenekeoutthewatersupplybytakingthewaterkegsandbottlestothewellinthecar.OnceinawhileTomorCurley's-Sonhaulsinawagonloadoflargejuniperbranchesortrunkstoreplenishtheoldwoman'swoodpile.Intheshortintervalsbetweenthemainsuppliesshehasnotroublefindingwoodintheimmediatevicinityofthehouse.Notquitesogoodperhaps,butquitegoodenough.Familyaffairsarewell

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regulatedandorderlyalthoughthereisevidenceofnonebuttheroughestsortofdailyschedule.

Mariecomeslaterthanusualthenextmorningandshebringssadnews:

Yikadezba's-Mothercamehomeunexpectedlyyesterday.ThisisouryoungestsisterwhomIdonotknow.Hersistheuninhabitedhoganofoursettlement.Sheandherhusband,BenWilson,spendtheirsummeratthetopofthemountainwheretheycareforapartofthefamily'sextensiveflock.Wehavealargeportionofitatourplace,buteachyearBenandhiswifemovetothemountainwiththerest.Therethegrassislongandplentifuleveninthedriestpartoftheseason.Theyhavetheircampinthemidstoftallyellowpines,thenoblestofalltheSouthwesttreeswhichgrowonlyatanaltitudeaboveseventhousandfeet.

OnceortwiceduringthesummerBenandhiswifemaycomebacktoWhite-Sands,butthereisalwayssomereasonfortheircomingandtheycomeinawagonwithallthehouseholdnecessities,Benblithelysingingashedrivestheheavy,well-feddrafthorses.ThearrivalofYikadezba's-Motherisunprecedented.Herveryappearancealoneonhorsebackpresagestrouble.Thewomen,theonlymembersofthefamilywhoarehome,greetherquietly,andwithoutquestionsetmuttonstew,coffee,andbreadbeforeherafterashortperiodofpreparation.Yikadezba's-Motherhasnoteatensincesunrise,shehasriddentwenty-sixmilesinamuchdisturbedstateofmind,havingpausedonlyoncelongenoughtonurseherbaby.Neverthelessshedaintilypicksthemorselsofmeatfromthebone,sipshercoffee,deliberatelybreakssmallpiecesfromthetortilla.Hermeal,thougheventuallyasubstantial

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one,isasleisurelyandunconcernedasifshehadfinishedabanquetonlyanhourbefore.

Atlast,aftersmalltalkandlongintervalsofsilence,thequestionallhaveeagerlyinmind,butwhichnonewouldask,isanswered.ThismorningBendoubledaropeandbeathiswifewithit.MarieimpliesthatYikadezba's-Motherhasabadtemper,for,shesays,shemistreatsherchildren."ShethrowsYikadezbaaboutlikeapuppy.Shebeatshertoo,thatisthereasonmyfatherandmotherkeepherhere."

YikadezbaistheminiatureNavajowhofollowsthewomenabout,hardlymorethanabletowalk.Thereisnothingwhichdoesnotarouseherinterest.Shewearsamodifiedreplicaofhermother'sdress,ayokeinsteadofablouseofIrishgreenvelvettowhichisattachedamuch-gatheredskirtoflargepinkandgreenplaid,ruffledatthebottom.Shehastinyredmoccasinslikehergrandfather'swithdimesforbuttons,butsheseldomchoosestowearthem.Icannottakeastepoffmybedwithoutpickingupacactusthorn;Yikadezbarunsbarefootalldaylongandonlyrarelygetsevenasliverinherfoot.

Hermischiefisthemischiefofcuriosity.Thereissomuchtoinvestigate,somuchtolearn.Mythingsarequitedifferentfromhermother'sorhergrandmother's;theymustbelookedinto.Buthereldersdonotthinkthisnecessary,andtheyconstantlysay,"Leaveitalone,getawayfromthere."Shedoesnotalwayslisten;thentheyhardentheirvoicesandgiveafirmcatchattheendofthesecondsyllableoftheNavajowordwhichmeans,"NowImeanit."Onedaysheinsistsonplayingwiththelockofmytrunk,heedlessofthewarningnomatterhowemphaticallyitissaid.ThenMariespeaksveryquietlybutatgreaterlengththanusual.WhereuponYika-

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dezbawithastartdashesupthehighstepwhichformsmythresholdasfastasshecango.Asshepassesthedoorshecatchesherskirtonanail,loosensit,andslapsthedoor.Marielooksatmewithanamusedtwinkle."Whatdidyousaytoher?"Iask."Itoldhershewassittingonanant."

Thisisthechildhermotherbeats.Nooneofhermother'sfamilyapprovesofsuchbehavior.Childrenshouldnotbepunished.Igettheideathesympathyiswiththehusband.But,ontheotherhand,whatareparentsforiftheycannotprotecttheirdaughters?Thefactofmarriagedoesnotgiveahusbandexclusiverightsoverhiswife.Indeed,itismorelikelytoputhimunderobligationstohisfather-in-law.ThereforeBenhasoffendednotonlyhiswifebutherentirefamily.

IntheafternoonYikadezba's-Motherbringsherbabyintovisitme.Sheishandsome,buttheopengoodwillsostrikingonthefacesofherrelativesIknow,iswantinginhers.Hersmile,thoughbeautifulandshy,israre;hermorecommonexpressionindicatesasobersullenness.

IhaveexpectedthatRed-Point,perhapsinfamilyconclave,willsettlethematterofYikadezba's-Mother.ButIreckonwithoutmyhosts.AboutaweeklaterMarieannouncesthatalltheyoungpeopleandRed-PointaregoingtoGanado.ThereistobethemonthlyCouncilMeetingandBenWilson'scasewillbeconsideredandsettled.

TheUnitedStatesGovernment,initscapacityofguardianoftheIndians,seesfittoexploittheoldIndiancustomof"talkingitover."Butnow,insteadof"talkingitover"withfamilyandclanrepresentativesinamoreprivateway,allsubjects,eventothemostpersonal,areairedinaCouncil

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whichmeetsasaninstitutionmonthly.AjudgeatGanadoaNavajowhospeaksEnglishpresides.TheNavajoofthecommunityattendthesemeetingswell,fortheylikegatheringsandnews.Thereisaparticularlylargeturnoutforthisonebecauseoftwocases,oneofinterestbecauseofitssubject,anaccidentalkilling;theotherbecauseoftheimportanceofRed-Point'sfamily.

EachNavajoisdressedinhisbest.TemperaturemakesnodifferenceinNavajostyles.Thewomen,nomatterhowhighthethermometermaybe,wearbrilliantlypatternedPendletonblankets,softandwoolly,somewithlongfringes.Themen,thoughtheirkneesorelbowsmaybefringedwithwear,neveromittheirfinestfour-gallonhats.Thejudgeiswearingafurcap.Menandwomenwearallthewhiteshell,coral,andturquoisetheycanprocure,eithertheirownorborrowedfromthestay-at-homes.Turquoise-setsilverisinevidenceasbracelets,rings,andnecklaces.

ManyoftheNavajocomeearly.Theyleavehorsesandwagonsingroupsaboutthetrading-post.Menandwomenspendhoursinthestore,dickering,trading,watchingasotherstrade.Theysitinbevieshereandthereontheground,wheretheyrefreshthemselveswithcannedtomatoes,crackers,andsodapop.Thechildrenhavetumorsofhardcandyorchewinggumintheircheeksfromthetimetheyarriveuntil,nolongerabletohelpthemselves,theyfallasleep.Afterconsiderableconversationwithoneandanotherthejudgemakeshiswaytothelargeshadewherethemeetingsareheld.Leisurelytheattendantsfollow.Theytalkthejudge,theplaintiff,thedefense,thejury.Thecomplainantandtheaccusedspeakforthemselves.Theaudienceisthejuryandwillrenderitsdecisioninformally.Thetalkisquiet,soquietIcannothear

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it,muchlessunderstandtheNavajo.Butitcontinues.Itmaytakealongtimetogetstarted,butoncebegunitisendless.Therearenowhitestowatchtheclockandsay,''We'lltakeanhouroutfordinnernow,"justastheygetdeepintothediscussion.

Themeetinglastsforadayandahalfthistime.Idonotstaylong,forIdonotknowthecases,nordoIunderstandthepoints.Afterwardsthejudgetellsmeaboutthekilling.Thesummaryisasshortandmatter-of-factastheargumentwastediousandquiet:"Twoboyswerewrestlinginafriendlyway,andonebroketheother'sneck.Themeetingdecidedthatthesurvivorshouldpaythemotherofthedeadboytendollars."

IgettwoversionsofBenWilson'scase.Thetraderhaslistenedtoapartoftheevidence.Bencontendsthathiswifehasabadtemper.Sheisjealousofanotherwoman.Shesaid:"Why,thatnightwhenhecameinheneverevencametobed.Justlaydowninthedirtinsidethedoorlikehewasdrunk,sleptthereallnight.Inthemorninghegotupdazedjustlikehewasdrunk.Hemusthavebeenwithawoman."

Theaccused,aneducateddomestic,agirlofsullen,disagreeabledisposition,answersthatshehasmoretodothanplayaboutwithotherwomen'shusbands.

AtfirstYikadezba's-Motherwantsadivorce,butwhenshefindsBenalsowantsoneshebecomeslesscertain.Theassembledfriendstalkandtalkandfinallycometoasettlement.Marietellsmebrieflythenext:day:"Theyaregoingbacktothemountainandtrylivingtogetheragain.ButthenexttimeBenmistreatshertheywillgetadivorce."

ThelittlecommunitycouncilisonlyasmalllocalmodeloftheAnnualCounciloftheNavajoheldatsomeconvenient

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pointontheReservation.Red-Pointwantstogotothismeeting,andItakealoadofNavajotoFortWingate,whereitisheldthisyear.

Mostofthoseattendingthisgatheringcomeincars.VeryfewoftheNavajoliveintheimmediatevicinityofFortWingate,andmanycarsarealreadyparkedaboutthecenterplazaoftheschoolaswedriveup.OnedecrepitModelTFordhasawell-wovenNavajoblankethangingfromthetopjustbehindthefrontseat.Iremarkaboutit,itbeingthefirsttimeIhaveeverseenNavajousetheirownblanketsexceptforsaddles.Thetrader,whoknowsthefamily,remarksthatitisbecausetheson-in-lawdrives.Hismother-in-lawisnotself-effacingandwillingtostayathomelikeMariaAntonia.Shewantstogoalong.Theyhavearrangedthiscurtainsothatneitherseestheother.

TheCouncillaststwodays.Itismuchmoreformalthantheother;theNavajotribeisrepresentedbydelegateselectedfromthedifferentdivisionsoftheReservationwhohaveavote;thesubjectsconsideredareoftribalratherthanpersonalorfamilyinterest.ThisisthetimewhentheNavajothreshouttheirtroubles,grievances,andwantswiththewhites.TheCommissionerofIndianAffairsandhisassistants,theagentsoftheseveraljurisdictions,arethere.AllopinionsanddiscussionsarerenderedinEnglishaswellasNavajo.

Thesubjectstheyconsiderareconcessionsforoillands,forcuttingtimber,theeternalproblemoflandfortheNavajo,schools,sheepdippingtoremovediseasefromtheflocks,watersupply,conservationofpasturage,andsoforth.Theoreticallythedelegateshavetalkedoverthequestionswiththeirrespectiveconstituenciesandvoteaccordingtoinstructions.Actuallythedecisionsarenotquitesosatisfactory.The

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Councilisaplacewhereopinionsmaybeairedandwherearegisteroftempermaybegained.Itisexceedinglyinterestingthoughlong-winded;theresultsareusuallyquiteindirect.Itaffordsusatrip,takesupourtime,makesusgladtogethome.

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XDesignThestripesofmylowerborderaredone,andquitenicetheylooktoo.Theweftisonlyslightlytightandcorrectedafterverylittlepullingin.Ihavenoideahowtolayoutthedesign.Itisasimplepatterninvolvingonlyconcentrictriangleswhichextendfromthelowerstripestothecenter,andstripesalongthesides.Thedesigniscalculatedtooccupyhalftheextentoftheblanketandtoberepeatedinreverseforthesecondhalf.

Mariesitsbeforetheloom.Shetakesupahandfulofwarponeachside,seeingtoitthateachhandhasthesamenumberofwarps.Shedropsthemandrepeatstheevencountinguntilshereachesthecenterwarp.Atthetopofthiswarpshetiesalittlepieceofweftyarn.Sheknowsitisthemiddlewarpalthoughshedoesnotknowhowmanyshehasaltogether;shehasdiscovereditbybalancingeachstrandontherightwithoneontheleft.

Shenextmeasureswithastringthelengthoftheblanket,halvesthestringandwithmypencilmarksthecenterofthelength.Shenowtriestofitherdesignintothespace.Sheisgettingatriangularpattern.Iknowshemanipulatesthethreadsregularly,butIamnotabletofigureouttherhythm.Mariecontinuesto"show"me.Itryitmyself.Marieseesitiswrong,leansover,andpicksuptheproperwarpsthrough

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whichIshouldcarrythewhite,thegreen,thewhiteagain,andIgoon.Forawhileitseemstobeallright;thensoonagainshecorrectsme.Iflounderalong,blindlyreally,becauseIhavenowayofknowingwhenIincludeonemorewarpwiththegreentotheleft,onemorewiththewhite.IknowofcoursethatafterIhavedoneitattheright,Iadvanceonestrandtotherightattheleftside.

Bythetime"thesunhasmovedtothemiddle"wehavethebeginningsofthreelargeconcentrictriangles.Westopworktoeat.MytrunkisthepointfromwhichIgetmyperspective.AsIchewthemuttonMariaAntoniahasgivenme,itseemstomethetrianglesaregoingtobecompletelongbeforewereachthecenter.Theirsidesareleaninginveryfast,theirbaseanglesaresharplyacute.Mydrawingcallsforamorenearlyequiangulartriangle.

IhurrymylunchsoIcantrytoworkouttheadvancesinthestitchesalone.Idon'tcareiftheresultisbad;IcareifIknowwhatIamdoing.AndIknowIdon't.SneakinglyandwithaguiltyfeelingIexperiment.ButMariehashurriedwithherlunchalso.Sheisnotgoingtoletmeruinthisblanket.Sowecontinue.IfIpickupthewrongstrandssheshowsmethecorrectones.

Red-Pointishometoday.Hecomesupforasmokeandatalk.Henomorethangetssettledonthetrunkwhenhenoticesthepattern.HegoesovertotheloomandpointsoutwhatIhadremarkedtomyself."Ifyoucontinuethisway,thetopofthetrianglewillcomehere,"hetellsMarie,indicatingwithafingerapointnearlyahandbelowthecenter."Inherdrawing,Weaving-Womanhasitatthecenter."Thisoldsagehasplottedtoomanysand-paintingsnottono-

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ticetheerrorataglance.Mariesays"Unh!"andweproceedasbefore.

Marieweavesagreatdealonthisblanket.Eagerlywatching,Ifeelasshefeltwhenasalittlegirlsheeyedhermotherandtriedtolearnwhatmadethedesign.She,however,unlikehermother,isnotunwillingtohelpmeallshecan.She"shows"mepatientlyeachtimeIneedtoadvanceortowithdraw.Theonlythingshedoesnotallowmeistomakemistakesalone.Takethemoutalsoifneedbe,butgetunderstandingImust.However,Ifinishthisdaywithafeelingofabsolutefutility.AmIsodullthatIcannotgraspthisapparentlysimplepoint?

Thenextdaywecontinuetoworkinthesameway.TherearemomentswhenIthinkIhaveaflashofcomprehension;buttheflashburnsout,andmytheorydoesnothold.

Ineedsuppliesandmail,andIspendthenightwithmywhitefriends.Nextdaythetrader'sniecedecidestovisitme.Chaisadaintygirlwhohasbeenbroughtupwithboycousins.Asshedonshercorduroytrousersandherblueshirtshedeclares,"Iwillbehomewhenmyshirtistoodirtytowear.""Orwhenweneedfood,"Isupplementherremarkaswedriveoff.

Arrivedatmyhogan,Chatakesuparecliningpositiononthelengthofmybedroll,wheresheintendstoreadathousand-pagevolumeofdetectivestories."Youknow,Cha,Ihavebeenweavingatthisdesigntwodays,andIdon'treallyunderstandityet."Insteadofreadingherdetectivestoriesshewatchesme.Wediscusstheproblematlength,andalltoosoonitisnoon.WithelaboratepolitenessIsharethetrunkwithCha,andnotthinkingmuchofwhatweeatwescrutinizeandcriticiseeverythreadoftheblanket.Chawasoneof

MyFirstRug

MySecond

DiversionDamAftertheTornado

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thegroupwholaughedatmyfirstrug,butlikeRed-Pointandtherest,shelaughedwithme,notatme.

"Wearegoingtoreachthetopofthetrianglelongbeforethecenter,asRed-Pointsaid,"Itellher.

"Yes,andtheblanketiscock-eyed,"saysCha."Seehowmuchwiderthestripesareontheleftthanontheright."

"Youcan'timaginehowdumbIfeel.Herewehavebeenmakingtrianglesfornearlytwodaysandwearenearlyatthemiddle,andIdon'treallyunderstandhowtodothem.Mariemustsomehowknowhowthewarpslook,orshemusthavesomewayoftelling."

"Whydon'tyouaskhertocount?"suggestsCha.

WhenMariecomessoonafter,Itellhershemustcalloffthecountsofthewarpsunderwhichsheplacestheweftassheworks.Sheisamusedbutwilling.AsIsit,pencilandpadinhand,shedoesso.Ilearnthen,muchtomysurprise,thatshetakesupanextrastrandeveryfourthrow,thenrelapsestotheusualcount.Theextrawarpbeingtakenupatthisplaceadvancesourdiagonallinejustaswewish.AfterMariehasprovedtomebyrepetitionthatthisisthecaseItryitmyself,anditturnsouttobethepropersolutiontomyconfusion.Forsometimehereafterwecountasweweave.

Red-Pointvisitsusagain,greetsChaheartilyas"Old-Mexican's-granddaughter-my-granddaughter."Hepointsoutoncemorethefaultsofmyblanket,andweaskMariewhyitlookssoone-sided.Shesaysitisbecausethewarpontherightsideisfinerthanthatontheleft,amattershedidnotallowforinplanningtherug.Sheshouldhaveallowedmorewarpsontherightthanontheleftinlocatinghercenter.

Wehaveadvancedfarenoughtofinishtheinnermostoftheconcentric

triangles,awhiteone.Almostimmediately

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thereafterMariebeginstofinishoffthegreenone,reallyatrianglemadehollowbythewhiteoneinsideit.IdonothingaboutthefinishingoffofthetrianglesbecauseIdonotknowhow.ButIhavedesignedmyblanketsothatthesetrianglesarebluntinsteadofcomingtoapoint.WithoutsayingawordMarieworksonthem.Fourofthem,green,white,black,andwhite,gettheirbluntnessbyakindofcrowneffectveryawkwardtotheeye.AfterthinkingaboutthismatteralongtimeanddiscussingitsprosandconsChaandIdecidethatitcannotbedoneanyotherway,oratleastanybetterway.

Themistakeisinthedesigning;theNavajoneverdoitthus.Iftheystartatriangle,theyfinishit.Wearenowworkingthedesigninthecenter,leavingunwovenspacesonbothsides.IwillfilltheminwithstripeswhenMariestopsworkingonthecenter.IshallproceedjustasIhavedoneinweavingthestripesintwoportions.Inoticeweavoidmakingourloopjoinsattheexactcompletionofadesign,theouterboundaryofthetriangle,forexample.Ihavealreadynotedthatotherweaversdothisalso.Awomanmayworkonaparticularportionofadesign,oftenthecenteronefirst.Icanseenoreasonwhysheshouldweaveasix-inchspaceinsteadoftwelveorfifteeninches.ButIhaveneverseenonewhowovejustthedesignandthenfilledin.Shealwaysweavesapartofthebackground,sothatthealmostimperceptiblediagonalline,distinguishablebylittleholesleftbytwoweftsloopingoverneighboringwarps,comesatsomeplaceotherthanwheretwocolorsmeet.

Mariehasnowcometotheendofourtriangles;theyarebluntedandcomplete.Sinceourerrorshavechangedtheentireplanofthedesign,nowisthetimeformetosuggesta

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change.ButIhavenosuggestiontomake.SoMariekeepsthetwosidepanelsdistinctevenasIhadplanned.Butshedoessobysettingoffacentralwhiteportionbymeansofstraightblacklines.Ihadmadenoprovisioninmydesignforlearninghowtomakestraightverticallines,sohere,asinothercases,mistakesteachmemorethanaccuracy.

Theverticallinesareeasytokeeptrackof,theonlydifficultpartisregulatingthetension.IthereforefindthewarpsspreadingundulyasIweave.Althoughmyfinishedproductwillbedisappointing,Iamneverthelessgladthatthiselementofdesignisintroduced.Itisanimportantone,oneImustlearnsoonerorlater.Iknowitnowbutdonotcontrolitverywell.

Exceptforregulatingthepulloftheverticalline,theweavinghasoncemoresettledintoaplainstripeweb.Theexpanseofwhiteinthecenterisgrowing.Itisbecomingunpleasinginitsextent.

''Don'tyouthinkwe'regettingtoomuchwhiteinthecenter?"IsaytoChathethirddayofhervisit.Shehasnotgoneveryfarwithherstories,forsheisasfascinatedbytheweavingasIam.AlthoughIallowherquiettoread,hereyeneverthelessrovesfrombooktoloomandreluctantlyandbrieflybacktothebook.

Sheagrees.Ikeeponweavinginthewhitespace.Chacomplainsofhunger.Itellhertoeatwhatshecanfindtherearecrackers,theonlyfoodwehavewhichdoesnotneedcookingorcan-opening.Weusedourlastbreadforbreakfast;crackerseventhoughreinforcedbycoffeedonotreallystandbyoneforthewholeafternoon.Itispastmid-afternoonandasCharisesfromtheblanketrollMariecomesinagain.Shelooksattherugwithanappraisingeye.

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ChasinksontothetrunkwithacrackerineachhandandbeginstoexaminetherugwithMarie."Anawfullotofwhiteinthecenter,don'tyouthink?"Marieagrees.Isuggest,"Howdoyouthinkasmalltrianglewouldlookinthecenter?YouknowIhadoneinthedrawing."

"We'lltryit,"saysMarie."Thereisalotofwhite."

WecontinuetostudytherugfromthedistanceoflessthantwoyardsandIaskMarie,"Doyourrugsalwaysgetjustasyouthinktheywillwhenyoustartthem?"

Smilinglysheadmits,"Hardlyever."

Hercriticalattitudeasshestandsthereelicitsanotherquestion,thisonefromCha:"Doyoustandofffromyourblanketsandcriticisethemastheygrowtoo?"

"Always,"shesays,lookingsomewhatsurprisedasifitwereamatterofcourse."Youseethepatternsdon'talwaysgetlikeIthink,ortheydon'tlookniceasIplanthem.ThenImustchangethem.Ialmostalwayschangesomething."

"Well,it'sgotlotsofmistakes,"summarizesCha,"butit'saniceblanketanyhow.Ilikeit."

MariestartsthecentertriangleandhasafewrowswovenwhenChaannounces:"I'mgoinghomeforsupper.IsaidIwasgoingtostayuntilIneededanothershirt.Ineededoneyesterdayalready,butIsaidIwasgoingtofinishthisbookbeforeIwent.IhavewatchedyouroldweavingsomuchIhaven'tgotitdoneyet."

"Wehavetogo,"Iagree."Otherwisewe'llstarve.ButdoyourealizethatthatblankethasallthepatternsIneedlearntomake,thebroad-basedtriangle,theverticalline,andthesharperangledtriangle?Iam

notsureIcanmakethosetrianglesallbymyself,butIamsureIcanafteralittlemorepractice."

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"Iamsure,"sheanswers.

Sosaying,wemakeoursketchypreparationsforareturntoGanado.

IcomeintothehoganthefirstthingthenextmorningtofindtheyarninadifferentpositionfromthatinwhichIleftit,pulledoutoftheboxandovertheflooratrandomlikeastringacathasplayedwith.Iobserveitthenextfewdayswithasuspiciouseye.Eachmorningmoreofitispulledoutandlefttangled.Isuspectmice.ItellMarieaboutit:"Youknow,whenIcameinthismorningtheyarnwaspulledout,alloverthefloor.DoyouthinkIhavemice?Ihavenoticeditforseveraldays."

"Yes,"saysMariewithunusualseriousness,"probablyrats.Andthey'llbiteourwarptoo."

Myheartsinksatthethought.Weknowhowtorepairtears,butwhatwouldtheblanketbelikeifaratgnaweditswayunsystematicallythroughit?TheeventhasevidentlybeenexperiencedbyMarie,whohasgravemisgivingsevenwithherresourcefulness."ButwhatshallIdo?"Iask,thinkingoftrapsandtheimpossibilityofsecuringany.

"Cats,"answersMariereassuringly."I'llbringsomeuptonight."

"Why,"thinkI,"shouldmyfirstreactionalwaysbeofacomplicatedmechanicalsolutioninsteadofasimplenaturalone?"

AsIamreadingbythelightofmykerosenelamplateintheeveningIheartalkandapproachingfootsteps.Ialmostneverhaveguestsaftersunset.MarieandRubyarecoming;eachclaspswithafirmhandaprotestingskinnyblackishkitten."Oh,thecats!"Iexclaim,rememberingourmorning's

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talk."Butaren'ttheytoosmalltocatchrats?Willtheystaywithme?"

"Justcloseyourdoorwhenyougoout.They'llstayallright."

Thegirlsclosethedoorastheyleaveme.Thekittensroamaboutsniffing.Theyseemcontentedenoughnowtheyarereleased.My,buttheyarethin!Iwonderiftheyevergetanythingtoeat.

NextmorningIforgetaboutthemuntilIopenthedoor.Theretheyare.Butnowtheyareroundishinthemiddlewhereyesterdaytheywereflatorevencurvedin;theyseemtometolicktheirchopscontentedly.Iofferthemabitofbaconleftoverfrommyownbreakfast.Theyscornit.

Theyleavemesoonafterbreakfast.HereafterwhenIcomeintothehoganinthemorningthewoolisasIleftit.

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XIRainDuringthefirstpartofmystaytheSun,"ourfather,"hashadhiswill.Eachdayunhinderedhehaspushedhiswaythroughhisownthinwhitecurtainofdawn,passedserenelythroughthebroadbluecurtainofdaylight,relaxedatthecurtainofyelloweveninglight,andinapartingblazeofglorysuccumbedtothecurtainofdarkness.

ButatlasttheWaterSprinklersbegintocontendwithhim.Theycardcloudpuffsofpurestwhitewool.TheSun,joiningthecontestwithmirth,dyestheirfluffs,foratimeovercomingthem,buttheygainonhimcontinually.Theystartwithsmallwispswhichhangdelicatelyhereandthereonthehorizon.Thentheywhisktheirtowcardsharder,andthewhitewispsrisehigherinthesky.AtlasttheRaingodsbecomedrunkwiththeirowneffects,andastheycardtheyblow.Theysendblackwindafterthewhiteclouds,whichchaseoneanothermadlyacrossthesky.

IemergefrommyholetoretrievethefloursacksIhavehungonmypiñontodry,andtoseethattheknotofthesackcontainingthemuttonribsMariaAntoniagavemeistightoveritswirestrungbetweenthebranches.Icompressmylipsovermyteethastightlyaspossible.Imakemyeyesintothenarrowestslits.EvensowhenIcomebacktothehoganIamgrindingsandbetweenmyteeth.

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ForsomedaysSunandWatergodsplaytheircomedy,theWaterPeoplegraduallygaininginstrength.Butwehavehadsomanypseudo-stormswestayinsideandforgetthatthedarkedgesofthepuffsaredailybecomingdarkerandmaysomedayachievetheirend.

Atlasttherainyseasonison.Isitinmyhoganweaving;thelightbecomesdimmer;Ihearalightpatteronthesandroof.Diagonalstreaksofwatershootpastmydoor.Irisetoexperiencethiswonder.ButIfirstthrowmyshedforthenextrowandinsertthebatten.

"Don'teverleaveyourstickinwhenyouarenotweaving,"saysMarie."Ifyoudoyouwillnotfinishyourblanket."

ShesaysitwithanexpressiononherfacewhichIinterpret,"Sotheysay,butIdon'tbelieveit,"butIpulloutmybattenandlayitonthefloor.

Westandbeforetheopeningofmyhouse,weseethisdrywetness,feelit,breatheit.Thefirstrainisamarvel,allrainsaremiraculous.Webreatheinthedustwhichrisesunderthesplashingraindrops.Itisnolongergrittybutearthyandrefreshing.

"Itisgood,altogethergood."Wesayitlikeaprayerofthankfulnessaswereturntoourwork.

ThisdaytheWaterSprinklerisnotplayingwiththeSun.HehascalledonhisfriendBlackWind,andthetwohavedecidedtoblessus.Andnowquitesuddenlythereisanothershower;butthisoneisheavy.Nothunder,nolightning,butrainandwindandmorerain.Thisisthetestforourhogans.Rainblowsinatthedoorandmakesapuddleonthefloor.Thepuddlegrowslarger,tricklestowardwherewesit.Wegrabupthewagoncoverwhichservesasacarpet.

Raincomesinatthesmallventilatorinthecenterofthe

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roof,splashesonthefloor,andspitssandonourblanket.Weputthewagoncoverovertheblanketandwool-boxandeachfindsherselfaplacetositawayfromthepuddles.Theflockisonthewayhome,andRubydrivesthemasquicklyaspossibleintothecorral.Thewayliesovermyhogan.Slimpointedfeetonsoftsandmakenumerousperforationswhichthewater,seekingachannel,rejoicestofollow.Theroofisnowlikeasieve.Marieputsablanketaroundhershoulders,Idonmyraincoatandhat.Thebooksareintheirtrunkandpapersintheirbriefcase;Ilayatarpaulinoverthetrunk.BothMarieandI,byabbreviatingourselvesasmuchaspossible,succeedinfindingdryspotsonwhichtosit.Butweareconstantlychangingourdryspotsastheybecomefewerandfewer.

Atlasttherainslowsup,andoncemoreweemerge,lookinglikedrenchedprairiedogs.Thedownpourwassoferociousthateveryonestayedexactlywherehewas.NowTom,hisblueshirtstickingtohisskin,comesuptoinquiresmilinglyhowthehouseis.

"Notsogood,"Ireply."Thegoatswentoveritafterthesandgotwetandmadelotsofholes."

Tomuntwiststhebalewirewhichfastenstheshoveltotherearendofthecarandapplieshimselftothepileofsandwhichliesaboutthehouse,thesurplusdugoutwhenitwasmade.Heshovelsitingreatdampchunksontotheroof,poundsandstampsitdown,particularlyovertheholesandaroundtheventilator.Thenhedigsasmalltrenchinsidethedoor.Theoverflowstandsinthetrench,thelittlepuddleshavedisappeared,sunkintothesandofthefloor.

TomandMarienowgototheirownhousetoinspectitssoundness.IhaveaheadacheanddecidetogotoGanadoas

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soonasthewaterrunsoffabit.Thegroundiswet;Ishouldhavetosleepinsidethehogan;Iwillspendthenightwiththetraders.Iputonthechains,fastentheshovel,and,afterabriefinterval,announcemyintentionanddepart.

Butthisafternoonthesunacknowledgescompletedefeat.Ihavenotgonehalfamilebeforeitbeginstorainagain.Itaketheoldroadwhichisoverahillandintoadip.Icometoalowpartoftheroad,whichIhavepreviouslyhardlynoticed.Nowitlookslikealake.Istopatthetopoftheslightincline.Therainpeltsdown.Awashrunsangrilyatmysidepouringitsfoamingyellowfilthintothenewlymadelake.Itiscoldandwindyandwet.Iknowonlyonething,thatistowait.

Iwaitforsomeminutes.Timehasceased.AtlasttherainlessensandItestthecrossingintheusualSouthwestfashion.Takeoffshoesandstockingsandwadeit.ItisfearfullycoldandbeforeIhavegonearodgetsdeep.Ineedgonofarther.Thewaterishalfwaybetweenmykneesandhips;itistoomuchforJonathan.Thereisnogoingforward.Therutsoftheroadaretoodeepandtooslickformetoturnaroundinevenifthefuriouswashatmysidedidnotterrifyme.Iwaitlonger.

Afterawhileenoughwaterhasrunoffthelandscapetoallowthecarwheelsoncemoretotakehold.Ibackupfornearlyaquarterofamile.AtlastIcanturnoutoftherutsandturnaroundontheniceroughsagebrush.

IarrivebackatRed-Point'ssettlementtofindallthefamilyblanketedandwadingoutsidethehouses.Therainhasceased,buteverythingissoaked.Thiswasthetestforthehouses,andnoneofthempassedit.Itrainedin,itrainedthrough,itrainedunder.Myrelativesaredrenchedandbusy

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butsmiling.Red-Point'shouseistheworst.Theemptybucketandwashbasinareswimmingabout,hittingtheloomframenowandagain.Thefewotherobjectswhichusuallystandonthefloorhavebeenhastilystowedinthecrevicesformedbytheoverlappinglogsoftheroof.Theblanketsandsheepskinsarehangingwhereallgoodhousekeepersputthemeachmorning,overapolesupportedbywireshungfromtheceiling.Thetoponeinvertedhasstreaksofredclayfromtheroof,theothersaredry.

Marie'shousehasleakedleast,anditwouldbereasonabletosupposethatMariaAntoniaandRed-Pointcouldgothereforthenight.Unthinkable!Arespectablewomansleepinthesamehouseasherson-in-law!Sleepinarunningstreamrather!ButYikadezba's-Motherisnothome.HerhousehasnotleakedatallandRed-Pointmovesinforthenight.

AfterIsatisfymycuriosityastoallthesearrangementsIreturntomyownhousereturntofinditcompletelydry.Tom'spatchinghasmadetheroofwatertight,thedoorwasclosedandmineisthemostcomfortableofallthedwellings.

Iamcold.Mywading,thewind,thewetting,allhavecombinedtogivemeachill.Ihavenosmokehole,butIhavesomedrywood;andIdecidetomakealittlefireevenattheriskofconsiderablesmoke.Iamcoaxingitalong,slowlybutsuccessfully,whenTomcomesupwithalargearmfulofsplinterynewlysplitjuniper."Iwillmakeyouafireunderthetree,"heannounces,"soyoucancookyoursupper.It'stoobadyourhouseleaked."

"I'mnotgoingtoeatanysupperbecauseIhaveaheadache,"Ianswer;"butIamcold,soIambuildingafireinhere.Youneedn'tworryaboutthehouse.Youcanseeitisbetterthanyourown."

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"Thesmokewillmakeyourheadacheworse,"heprotests.

"Idon'tthinkitwillsmokemuchnow.ButifitdoesIwillputitout."

Hegoes,leavingmethedrywood.

Ilaymybedasfarfromthedoorandventilatorasthespaceallows.Ihaveneversleptinsidebefore.Theonlydrawbackthehousehas,noticeablechieflyinthequietofthenight,istheactivityofabigblackbeetlewhichburrowsinthewall,allowingsandtorundownthesides.Ihearit,snaponmyflashlight,seenothing.Ihearatsuk!tsuk!tsuk!aboveme,seenothing.Thisisthenoiseofawood-borer"Wood-he-eats,"theNavajocallhim.Hespendshistimeboringholesintheceilinglogsandsheddingrivuletsofsawdustorsand.

ButwithanachingheadandbacktiredfromweavinganddrivingJonathanintheslime,Idonotlongremainconsciousofthesebusyinsects,whichnevercomenearmeanyway,exceptrarelywhentheydropfromtheceiling.

ThenextthingIknow,thesun,highinthesky,iscastingstreaksofgoldonmyfloor,filteringthroughcracksofmycrazydoor.Iamwarmalloverandrested.ButIhearloudsnickingsoundsjustoutside.Thosewood-borersneverbeforemadethatmuchnoise.Igetupandpeepoverthedoor,tryingtolocateoneatwork.Tomyamazementthereisahugecracklingfireofjuniper.NotafiresuchasImakemyselfofscatteredsageandbrokenbranches,butonegay,sputtering,flaming,ofheavychoppedcedarsticks.DotheNavajohavefairies,gnomes?TheyhaveToms.

Wearepreparedforrainnow.Ourhousesareallpatched,ourgoodswellstowed,nounusedoddmentslyingabout,ourcoverstarps,ponchos,sheepskins,blanketswithineasy

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reach.OncemoreIsitweaving,withMariechatteringamiably,somewhatsleepilyatmyside.

''Dowhitewomeneversleepinthedaytime?"sheasks.

"Whyuhuh!Why,yes,sometimeswedowhenwearetired."

"TheNavajowomennever!"sheremarks,suddenlyliftingherheadwithalookofsurprise."It'srainingagain."AndthatlookofsatisfactiontypicaloftheNavajowhentheyarepleased,settlesonherface.

Wecontinueourweavingplacidlyalthoughthestormisgaininginvelocity.Thisisamalerainwithwind,thunder,andlightning,sharplightning.Ihavelearnedtolaymydooroverthesupportsoftheentrywhenitrains.Quitesatisfactorytokeepthehousedry,butitcutsoffmostofourlight.Sowecovertheweavingandjustsit,assmallaswecanmakeourselves,andlookateachother.SuddenlytherecomesacryfromMariaAntonia'shouse,astartledcryoffear.Thesettlementisgalvanizedintoaction.Mariedartsup,Ithrustthearmyblanketather.SherushesoutwhileIputonmyrainthings.

Itrytogooutbuttherainsendsmeback.Thereisnogoingbetweendrops,nowalkingbetweenpuddles.Thesettlementhasbecomeasinglepuddleinwhichshoesslipandslide.Iseemyrelativesrunningaboutbarefoot.Thewomenhavehastilythrownontheirblankets,buttheirruffledskirtsdripwater.TomandCurley's-Sonhavebeenshovellingtodivertthewaterfromthehouses,andtheyaresoaked.NoonehastimetowatchYikadezbaevenifhewantsto,andsheisenjoyingathoroughdrenching.

Mariecomesbacktomeinnotime."Youmustgoto

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Ganadoandgettheoldman,"shesaysexcitedly,"thesheephavebeenstruckbylightning."

Tomcomesin."Wemustgoatonce,"hesays.

"Yes,"Ianswer."'Wewillgo,butwe'llgettherequickerifwewaituntilitstopsraining.Youputthechainsonformeandseethatwehavetheshovel,ax,andtowrope."

Thisisanalmostsuperfluousremarkfor,eveninthebrightestweather,Jonathanhasashovel,ax,andtowrope,justashehasheadlightsortires.Butatthisuncertainseasontheshovelmayberestingagainstthedoorofmyhouse,thetowropemayhavebeenusedforourdyeingactivities.Bettertocheckupforanemergency.

Wehuddlefortwentyminutesinmyhoganuntiltherainbecomeslighter.AswewaitIaskaboutthesheep."Wereanykilled?"

"Wedon'tknow.Itlooksasifthreeorfourweremaybe."

"Wherewerethey?"

"Justoffthere."TomandMariepointwithpursedlipstoaspotdirectlyinfrontofMariaAntonia'shogan,wheremanywhitedotsarestillmovingamongthedarkpiñons.

"Butwhydon'tyouknow?Didn'tyougoovertosee?"

"Rubyranrightbacktotellus."

"Didn'tyougoout?"

Theiranswersarevagueandindefinite.Thefactremainsthatnoonewentovertosee.Nooneevendrovethesurvivingsheepin.ThatiswhytheymusthaveRed-Pointatonce.Untilhecomesand,withaprayer,releasesthesurvivorsfromfurtherharm,theyareasafflicted

asthepossibledead.ThisisoneofthefewoccasionsuponwhichIhaveseenNavajoinahurry.Thereisneedforgreatspeed.Jonathanwillhelp.Buthewillgofasterifwewaitalittle.

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TomandIgetstarted.Wemakethehalf-milefromourhousestothehighwayeasily,theroadisofhardsand.Thehighwayisnew,ithasditchesonbothsidesfordrainage.Weslitheralong,nowtowardtheditchattheright,nowJonathanprefersthatattheleft.Buthewantstogointosomeditch.Tomisgoodwithashovel,butItrytosavehimbyguidingJonathanandcurbinghisdesireforleavingtheroad.Weproceedamileandsuddenlyfindthecarholdingtheroad.Thetracksareonlydampandinafewmorerodsweareonaperfectlydryroad.

Red-Pointisatthedam.ForweekshehasbeenbossingagangofNavajowithteamsatrepairingtheditchesandflume.Todaytheyarereinforcingthespillway.Weapproachwithinahalf-mileoftheplacetheyareworkingandagainrunintodeepmud.WeleavetheFordinasizablepuddleandproceedbyfoot.

Red-Pointandhisgangareasorry-lookinglot.Rainspillsfromtheirfour-gallonhats.Theircoatsaresoggy,wrinkled,andshapeless.Theyarebarefoot,havinghungshoesandmoccasinsunderthewagonstokeepthemdry.Theyhaveworkedhardeversincetherainyseasonbegan,repairingthespillway.Atwenty-minuteshowerwasheditoutentirely.But,asthewaterrunsdownovertheirfaceslikecopioustears,toamantheysmilecharacteristicallyastheypointtotheresultsoftheirwork.Theyshrugtheirshouldersfatalisticallyastheysay,"Hola!"

Allaredulyexcitedbyournews.Red-Pointhashishorse,socannotgobackwithus.But:hearrivesatWhite-Sandsverysoonafterwedo.Fortherestoftheeveningallisquiet.Thesons-in-lawhavegoneofftocuttreesandbranchestobuildanewcorral.Red-Pointgoesouttothesheep,takingwith

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himseverallittlepouchesofpollenandmedicinefromhislargemedicinebundle.Hegoestoprayandtoremovethedeadsheeptothecañon.Thewomenwait.

Whenhereturns,thewomendrivebacktherestoftheflock.Theymayoncemoregonearthesheep.Thelightningstrikingintotheflockasitdid,hadcontaminatedallwithinitsrange.Red-Pointhadfreedthesurvivorsfromtheimmediatetaintbyhissungprayers,bysprinklingpollen,andbyremovingthedead.Theremainderoftheflockmustbekeptinacorralbythemselvesuntilheremovesthepermanentresultsofthecatastrophe.Bythetimethesheepreturntheboyshavemadethenewcorral.Theyhaveleftthebranchesonthetreesandhavelaidthemsotheflockcaneatthemduringtheireight-dayincarceration.Forfourdaysduringwhichtheywillbetreatedfortheirillluck,theymustremain,forfourdaysmoretheystayinorderthatthemedicinemaytakeeffect.

NextdayMarietellsmenineanimalswerelost,oneofherowngoats,alambandsheepbelongingtoMariaAntonia,andsixsheepofAtlnaba's.ThismorninganotherofAtlnaba'slambsdied."They"havebeensentforsheepmedicine.Ihavetothisdayneverbeenabletofindoutexactlywho"they"are.WhenRed-Pointwantsherbswhichmustbegatheredatadistance,hesends"them,''evidentlymessengers,probablyrelatives,heisabletocalluponatamoment'snotice.

Red-Point,tiredandcoughing,comesinforacigaretteandvisit.Hesays:"Ninewerelost.WhenIgottheretheywereallswollenup.ButifIhadgottheresoonerIcouldhavesungandbroughtthembacktolifeagain.Itistoolatewhentheyareswollenup.It'stoobadIwasn'thome."

IremarktoMariemyremarkcarriesnoweightthat

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theyhadtheirsingerintwohoursafterthesheepwerestruck."TheNavajodon'tusuallygetasingerthatquickly,dothey?"

"No,"sheagrees,butherfaithandherfather'shavenotbeenshakenbyajotoratittle.

WeweaveonlyforshortperiodstodaybecauseMariemustgohelpRed-PointorAtlnabaandImustgowithhertoseetheshortceremoniesandallthattheydo.Theydonotmindmytaggingalong;theyareonlysurprisedthatIwantto.

IntheintervalswhenIamaloneIcontinuemymarvellingatmygrandfatherandathisfirmbeliefinhimself.Itismorethanconceit,itisoverandabovethat.Itisabsolutefaithintheefficacyofthesing.Heknowsitperfectly.Ifthenheperformsitwithoutamistake,whyshoulditnotbepowerful,evensufficienttobringlifetothatwhichisdead?

ButI,withmyun-Navajotypeofmind,saytomyself:"Ordinarilyittakes,withgoodluckeven,halfadayforamantofindhishorse.Hethenridesperhapshalfadayorlongertothehomeofthesingerhewantstohire.Ifheisinluckthesingerishomeandittakesonlyhalfadaytowranglehishorseandanotherhalf-dayforthetwotorideback.Twodaysisthenabouttheminimumtimewhenamedicinemanmaybeexpected.Twohoursisaboutthegreatestspeedtheymightachieve.AndyetRed-Pointissurehecouldhavebroughtthesheeptolifeifhehadbeenheresooner...."

Adullday,ahotday,astillday.Eveninthemorningthesundoesnotshine,nordoesheeverpeepbetweencloudscausingthemtopartandscuttleaway.Anominoussilenceliesoverusall.Theairisheavyanddead.Thesoundsofhumansandanimalsarestartlingevenintheir

appropriate-

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ness.Ithasbeenunusuallyhotandoppressiveforaweek,buttodayitseemsasifthreat,ofwhatIamnotcertain,mustculminateinaction.Itisoneofthosedayswhensomethingdireseemsabouttohappen,atimeduringwhichoneholdshisbreathandcrosseshisfingers.Lifeseemstoberunningalongsmoothly.Onethinksofthepossiblecalamitiesontheprinciplethatitistheunexpectedthathappens.Ifthenweexpectsomethingawful,itatleastwon'tbethatsomething.

ForsomereasonIamrestlesstodayandforsomeotherreasonIhavenovisitors,notevenMarie.Myweavingdoesnotholdme,andItirequicklyoflearningmyNavajolanguage,apursuitthatusuallyinterestsmeforhours,morehoursthanthereeverare.WithaconscienceguiltyatreadinginthedaytimeIopenabook.Itisnotinteresting,norarethemagazinesIhave.Imustbetired;Iwilltrytosleep,evenifNavajowomenneverdo.Butthereisaflyonmynoseitsbuzzingsoundslikeasawinthetensesilence.Iwillgooutside.Butthereisnowindandthefliesareworsethantheyareinside.Besides,antscrawlvigorouslyovertarpaulinandoverme.Igobackin.IthinkIamhungryandeatsomecrackers.Irepeatmylistofentertainments.ThosehourswhichusuallyflitsofastIcannotseethem,nowdraginterminably.

Thesilenceisbrokenatlast.Igoout.Thisisnoordinarysandstorm.AsIwatchthecloudsIamtheonlylivingthingbetweenthefuryoftheskyandtheearthitragesover.Fromthesouthwestthickclouds,blackasnightbutnotinasolidcurtain,rollup,gatherfierceness,andinangerpassmadlyoverWhite-Sands.Theycontain,Iseeeasily,everypossibilityfordestruction.Theypassoverussoswiftlythattheyarenotabletodroponusanyoftheircontents.Theyracemadlyto

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thenortheast.Theretheymeetalltheirownkindandotherstoo;allunitetobecometheembodimentofcataclysm.Blackpuffywindclouds,smoothblackthunderclouds,grayrainclouds,yellow,hail-bearingmasses.Theyknotupinthenortheast,snarlandsnapandfinally,releasingtheiraccumulatedfrenzy,ventitontheearth.Wind,malerain,thunder,lightning,hail.

I,frommyroof-top,viewitall,seeingonlythegeneralcalamity,unawareofdetails.Assuddenlyasthestormgathered,earthandskyrelaxaboutme.Theairiscoolandfresh;soundstakeontheirusualmatter-of-factness;theearthissweetlyfragrant.Asmoothblackcloudlieslongandhorizontallyanarm'slengthabovethewesternhorizon.Atlastthesuntriumphs;hebreaksforthunderthecloudinared-goldglow,grinningsobroadlytheeyecannotbearhim.Butthepresenceofthecloudhaslethimturnourlittleworld,whichseemstomeimmense,tocopper.

Iamtheonlyreality.Theherdboy,whomIhavealwaysheartilydisliked,hasturnedintoastatueoflivingbronze.Thethoughtpassesfleetinglythroughmymind,"Why,Paulisreallyexceedinglyhandsome!"Thesheepgrazingnearbyarefluffyfulvidbeings,nolongerstupidandimpolite,butsomethingexistingonlyintheimaginationofasuper-being.

Amomentofsuperbinsubstantiality,andwearebacktothecomprehensible,awell-run,prosperousNavajofamilydrivingsheepintocorrals,cedarfirecracklinginthefireplace,muttonboiling,childrenteasing,dogsbarking.

Nextdaywelearntheresultsofthetornadoandtakeatriptosurveythehavoc.IthasraisedthewaterlevelofthelargereservoirnearGanado,emptyallsummer,fivefeet.But

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ithasrippedoutentirelythediversiondamwhichcontrolledtheditches.Theplacewhereitstoodusedtolooklikeasmoothlake.Ithasnowbecomeawideforty-footcañon.Concretepiersaretorncompletelyaway,theirmassdumpedinthesideofthewashatintervalshalfamiledown.Thetraderstellmethewavesroseashighasthetelephonepolesinfrontoftheirplace.Inthesixtyyearsoftheirexperiencetheyremembernothinglikethis.PooroldblindTonto,thetwelve-year-oldsonwholedhimthroughlife,andhislittlegrandsonweredrownedjustoutsidetheirhogan.Nooneknowshowmanysheepwerelost.

Wecontinueourpilgrimageinthebrightmellowsunshine.Wedrivetowardthestormbelt,cometoahaltninemilessoutheastofGanadowherethechiefsightsaretobeseen.Cuttinganeight-mileswaththestormhasdenudedeverytreeofbranches,leaves,andcones.Thisisayearforpiñonnuts.Withinthisbelteverytreehasbecomeaspikedtrunk.

Attherightoftheroadisapileofhailstones,packedasifinanicehousefivefeethigh.Ihadneverbelievedthetalesof"hailstonesbigashen'seggs,"butthesewerelargerthanwalnutsfivedaysafterthestorm.Thewalltheymademeltedgraduallyforthreeweeksafterward.

Wewalkashortdistancetoourleft.Thereweseehowthewashbroughtdownstoneslabstwenty-eightfeetlong,uprootedtreesthreefeetindiameter.Thedébrisbroughtdownformsanaturaldamsothatthewashwhichformerlyranwestbynorthhasnowbeenturnedandrunsnearlydirectlysouth.Aswegazeonitandcontemplatewhatwesawatthediversiondam,werealizeinafeeblewayhowtheGrandCanyoncouldhavebeenpossible.Theselastdayshaveshownme

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wondersmysensesalmostrepudiate.Theyareuncannybutasactualasthislaceratedearthitself.

Myfriendsaddtheirobservationsofnature'sfreakishnesstomine.Aftertheworldturnedtobronzethemooncameup.Butsomerainlingeredbetweenitandtheclearwesternsky.Themoonreflecteditsquietraysthroughthelightrainstreamersofthenight,causingawhiterainbow.Ithappenedtofitperfectlyoverawelldefinedlittlehill,andtheeffectwasofagreatemptywhitestadium.

AfewdayslaterinthecourseofourconversationRed-Pointremarkscasually:"It'sawfuldry.Weneedrain."

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XIIUnderstandingInspiteofrain,changesoftheearth'ssurface,ritesofrestoration,andotherinterruptions,thegreenblankethasbeensteadilyadvancingtowardthetop.Anumberofwarpshavetorntheyarethethinonesoftheoldwarpweaver;theheavierevenlytwistedonesofMariaAntoniaaresound.Mariehelpsmealotwiththestripeweaving.Iknowthatnow,anddonotneedpractice.SuddenlyaquestionofmyoldgrandmotherbringstoovividlytomindamatterIhaverefusedtodwellupon,"Whenareyougoinghome?"

Thereareindeedfewdaysofmystayleft.MariaAntoniasaysshewillbelonesomeafterIleave.Sheisadearoldsoul.ShylyshestealsuptomyhouseforashortvisitwheneverIamhomeandtherestofthefamilygathertogether.Ifoneofhersons-in-lawishomeshemaybeleftalone.SheandImakegoodconversation.IhavetaughthertoteachmethethreemostimportantprincipalpartsoftheNavajoverbs.Theremaybetenortwelve,unpredictableanddifferentinform,butforthepresentIamdoingwiththesimplestforms.Igetthembymakingsentenceswithpastandfutureadverbs.

MariaAntoniatellsmeaboutherailments,whicharemany.Theyarethechiefreasonwhyherlargepretentiousrugsremainstaticfordays,evenweeksonend.Shetellsmetooaboutthesingsshehashadforillness,showsmethetiny

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charm,asmallcowryshellstrungwithaturquoisebead,thatshewearsonherhairstringandanotherlikeitwhichshehastiedtoastringonherbelt.Manyatimehasherhusbandsungoverthemembersofhisfamily.Butiftheyneedsomepowerotherthanhepossesseshedoesnothesitatetocallinanothersingerwhohasthatpower.

IknowmygrandmotherhashadgallstonesbecausewhenwewereatFortWingatetheMissiondoctor,comingadaylater,reportedtoRed-PointthatMariaAntoniahadbeenveryill.Hehadgonetoseeherandhaddiagnosedherdisease.Hewouldnotoperate,hetoldus,evenifhethoughtitadvisable,becauseMariaAntoniahasabadheartcondition.Therewouldbeareasonhedoesnotreckonon,namely,thatRed-Pointwouldnotlethim."Wemustreturnatonce,"decidedRed-Point.TheneedforasingisthetouchstonewithwhichtospeedupandexciteaNavajo.ButwepersuadedhimtowaituntilaftertheCouncilmeeting,becausethedoctorsaidtheimmediateattackwasover.WereturnedtwodayslatertofindMariaAntoniaapparentlyaswehadlefther.

Assoonasherpainpassesby,shethinkssheiswellagain,butisrarelywithoutheadacheandstiffness.Thisisthefrailoldwomanwhoswingsanaxvehementlyatherwoodpileinthesettingsun.Theonewhowakensmeatsunrisebythesnappingofadeadjuniperbranchsheiswrenchingfromastump.LazilyIwatchherassembleapileofwoodandsaytomyself:"Pooroldthing!Somebodyoughttodothatheavyworkforher."

Andthen,tomyshame,Ifindmyownwoodpilereplenished.MariaAntoniahasdroppedanarmfulonitasshebustledby.

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Itdoesn'tseemright,andyetIbelieveshewouldbegrievouslyhurtifshebecametoofeebletodothethingsshewantstodo.Thefleshmaybeweak,butthespiritisasvivaciousasinthedayslongpastwhenshewasasproductiveasAtlnaba.Shegrievesnottobeabletoweavemoresteadily,butherbackhurtsherandshedoesnotseeaswellasformerly.

MariaAntoniaistheonewhorosefirsttomydefenseonthedayavisitorcriticisedherformypresence."Mymotherisawfullymad,"saidMariethedayafter.

"Why?"Imustnaturallyask.

"Becausethatmanwhowashereyesterdaysaidweoughtnottoteachyouhowtoweave.Itmadeherawfulmad,andshesaidsheguessedshewouldteachyouifshewantedto."

Aswesitonthesideofmyhouseliketwocronesattheirsmoking,shetellsmeaboutherselfandherfamily.AndherheartwillfeelsadafterIamgone.

NowthatmytimeisbecomingshorterIhavemorevisitorsthanusual.MariaAntoniacomesoftenerandstayslonger.Atlnabahasstrungupasmallblankethalfofwhichshefinishesthefirstday.WhenMarieasksherwhatsheisgoingtodowithit,sheanswers,"Iammakingitforapresentforafriend."Butwithnolargerugonherownloomshehastimetospendwithus.AsIstiffenupafterafewhoursofweaving,sheandMarietakemyplaceandlikemagicthewebadvances.

Onedaytheyallcomeandbringthreevisitors.TheyareSilversmith'stwowives,whoaresisters,andhisgrowndaughter.Theyaredressedintheircompanybest,andall,butespeciallythedaughter,areweigheddownwithsilver,bracelets,rings,necklaces,earrings.Ihave

oftennoticedthatMarieandAtlnabafastenthecollarsoftheirvelvetshirtswithsafety

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pinsstuckatapreciseangle,butIthoughtitwasbecausetheyhadnootherpins.Silversmith'sdaughterhasthestraightfrontpieceofhershirtandthesleevesfromwristtoelbowhighlydecorated.AltogethershehasperhapsthreedozenormoreofthelovelyridgedsilverbuttonstheNavajomake.Betweeneachtwo,placedwiththegreatestnicety,amedium-sizedsafetypinisfixed.

Thenumberofpersonsinmyhoganislargenow,forthechildrenhavecometoo;BenhasbroughtalambandYikadezbaapuppy.Butsomehowthehousedoesnotseemfull.Aseachnewvisitorcomesin,shefoldshernumerousskirtsneatlyandcompactlyaroundheraswithonemovementshesits,lightinglikeabirdwhichhasdrawninitsfeathers.

ThevisitorsareofcourseweaversandtheydiscussinfriendlyfashiontheblanketIammaking.MyfamilyproudlypresentmeasExhibitA.Theylaugh,astolerantlyastherestofmyfriends,atmyfirstblanket.SomehowIamnotasashamedofitasIwas,forthegreenonestandsontheloom,evenandrespectable,withfaultsnotofweavingbutonlyofdesign.

Thereisthepleasanthubbubofconversation,oftenbreakingintoquietjollylaughter,thethumpthumpofthecombonthewarp,thescurryingofthechildreninandout,outandinthehogan.SuddenlyBengivesacryofsurpriseand,asifelectrified,allthewomenspringupandoutofthehouse.IdonotwishtolosemyplaceandinsertthebattenintotheshedbeforeIgoout.Itisastrangehawksoaringhighinthesky;wedonotseethatkindoftenhere.Weallcomerightback,andasItakeupmyplacereadyoncemoretoweave,I

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noticethebattenhasbeenpulledoutofthewarpandliesonthefloor.

Aboutthistimeinmycareeranothermarvelhappens.Ifindmyselfnolongercountingtherowsorthewarpswhichareorshouldbeforwardtomakemytriangles.SuddenlyIknowwhichonestheyare.Itseemssosimple,thewaytheylook,differentonfourrows,andthedifferencesregularlyrepeated.HowcouldIeverhavebeensoconfusedasIwasinthosefirstdays,afterwehadputinthedesign?Itseemsincrediblethatanyonecouldbesostupid.

ThetimehasgrownsoshortIamforcedtoconsiderit,evenasdoesMariaAntonia;andevenasshe,Icounttheremainingdayswithheavinessofheart.True,whenIleavehereIamgoingtoEurope;butIshouldlovetofollowthetrainofthoughtIhavejustbeguntogetandtoallowunaccustomedmusclesreallytobecomehardened.IshallmissthefriendlinessandkindnessofthisWhite-Sandsplain,aspiritwhichpervadesitfromthewhitelightofpre-dawneventoandthroughthedarkness.

AsIpondertheshortnessofmystayIgetpangsofconscience.HereIcameouttolearntoweave.HaveIlearned?Whatanobjectthatfirstblanketis!Thesecondgreenoneisexcellent,butwhowoveit?Mariedidmorethanhalfaltogether.IfIleavelikethisIshallnotbeabletosayhonestlyofanypiece,''Imadethis."Itwilltakeanagetofinishoffthegreenone,andIknowhow.Itismerelyastrugglewithtightness,tediousbutnotnew.

WhenMariecomesinonFridayIsaytoher:"Doyouthinkwecouldgetthisdonebytomorrow,ifyouhelpmealot?Iwouldthenhavethreedaysleft.Ishouldliketohaveyoustringupatinyblanketforme,justtwohandslongand

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onewide,andIwanttoweaveeverystitchofitmyself.IthinkifIworkhardIcangetitalldoneinthethreedaysIhaveleft."

Marieismorepleasedthanusual.Shesetstoworkwithawill,andtogetherwepushbattens,reeds,andumbrellaribs,andtogetherwepullonhealdandhealdrod.Saturdaywetakedownthegreenrug,finished.Itshowsnodispositiontomoveawayfromuswhenweputitonthefloor.Therearemistakesinthepatternbutthewebisgood.Eventheedgesaregood.Mariehasseentothat.Wecriticiseitoncemoreas,withthesackingneedle,Mariefastensinthesurplusoftheedgestrandstoformtasselsatthecorners.Theblanketmaynotbeasweintended,butitisgood.Weknowit,andeverybodywhoknowsblanketsagreeswithus.ButIcannotsayitismine.

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XIIISelf-RelianceMylittlerugisstrungupandwellalong.Itisovertwohandslong,notquitetwowide.Ithasawhitebackgroundandnotverymuchdesign.Thispieceissosmallthatitbeginstogettightbeforeitisone-quarterdone.Iusesmallerbattensandreleaseeverymillimeteroftautness.Ihavenoparticulardifficultieswithitexcepttightnessandtheneedforspeed.

OnMonday,Mariesays,"Silversmithishavingasingforhisdaughtertonight."

"Whatkindisit?"

"Thegirl'ssing.Lastweekhecameovertoaskmyfatherhowoldsheis.Myfathersayssheisfifteen,sotheyarehavingit."

"Howfarisittohisplace?"Iinquireguardedly.

"AboutfourteenmilestowardWater-in-Ground."

"Shallwego?"

"Yes."

"IguessIcangetthisdoneonTuesdayanyway,"Iremark."We'llbebackearlyinthemorning."

Marieagrees.

IhaveadresslikethosetheNavajowomenwear,butIhaveneverwornit.Ihavewaitedforanauspiciousoccasion.TodayItellMarieIhaveit."Wouldyouliketoseeit?"

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"Yes,"shesayseagerly.

SoItakeitfromthedepthsofthetrunk.Ablackblouseoffinevelvetlinedwithredcalicoliketheskirt,whichistenyardsarounditsruffleandmodestatthat.Marielovesthefeelofthevelvet.Sheandherrelativesalwayshavevelvetshirts,butthevelvetiscotton-backedanddoesnothaveasmuchofasheen.

"ShallIwearittonight?"Iask,knowingtherewillbenowhitesatthesing.

"Oh,yes!"sheassents,lookingpleased.

Weareallreadyjustaboutdark,Iinmyblackandreddressandwitharedcapandsweater.MarieandTom,theirlittlesonsBenandDan,AtlnabaandCurley's-Son,alldoneoutintheirbestblankets,wearingtheirjewelry.Eventhelittleboyshavesmallfour-gallonhatsabouttwo-gallons,Ishouldsay.

Thesingisactuallyonlyaboutfourteenmilesfromourplace,andwearriveabouteight-thirty.Thereareonlyafewpeopletherewhenwearrive.Awell-madeshadeunderwhichthewomenarecookinghasanexcellentfireplacewithalargefire.

WearecordiallywelcomedbySilversmith'sfamily.Mysisterssitdownatthebackoftheshade,thehostessbringsmeakitchenchair.MarieandAtlnabasmileatthethoughtthatIneedit,butIsitonitforawhiletobepolite.Aswewaitandwatchtheextensivecookingoperations,variousNavajofilterin.Theyoungmenshakehandssomewhatbashfully,thenstandaboutoutsidetheshade.Womenenterquietlyandsitinthesemicirclewithus.

Iamasusualfascinatedbythecookingactivities.Thewomenhavemanyironsinthefire,andallarewatched,none

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isneglected.Ribsarebroilingongratesbentwithusetofittheplacestheyhaveoccupiedduringtheirexistence.

Silversmith'solderwife,shieldinghereyesandfacebyholdingherhandashortdistancefromherface,istendingtheboiling.Severalbucketfulsofacornandmuttonstewarebubblingonapileofhotcoals.Thewomanfindsthewaterforthecoffeeisboiling.Sheliftsitoffthefire,measuresoutcoffeeinthepalmofherhandforthefivecoffeepotsstandingbeforeher,fillseachwiththeboilingwater.Thenwithhersticksheskilfullyseparatesmoreembersfromtheblazingfireandarrangesthemaboutthecoffeepots.Whensheisthroughsheturnstheribs.

Anotherwoman,bronzeintheflickeringfirelight,ismixingdough,whichshepatsintoflatflabbyroundshapesandbakesinafryingpan.Besideherapileoftortillas,nicelybrowned,standsonacleanfloursack.Thiswoman'ssisterisshapingherdoughinthesameway;butshehasaDutchovenfullofsizzlingfatintowhichshegentlylowersthelimproundportionsofdough.Eachtimesheputsonein,thefatsputtersandspits,thedoughbubblesupinirregularspots.Soonsheturnsittodisplayablisteredgoldensurface;adeliciousformofbreadstuffistheresult.Theyeast-raisedbreadhasalreadybeenbakedintheadobeovensofSpanishshape,andtheroundloavessitinrowscoveredwithfloursacksonashelfaboveourheads.Meathangsonthevariouspostsoftheshade,highenoughtobesafefromthenumerousmaraudingdogs.Tonightatleasttheywillgettheirfillwhenthislargecrowdofpeoplethrowsoutbonesandscraps.

Aboutonehundredyardstotheleftlookingpastthecookingfire,thereisawidebedofglowingcoals.Nowandthenamandevotesashorttimetosplittingsomeofthewood

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fromapilehouse-highnearit.Thefireisoverapitinwhichanenormoussweetcakeisbaking.Thisisthepiècederésistanceoftheoccasion,correspondingtoabirthdayoraweddingcake.Thefirewillbekeptblazingallnight.

Likeamightyhuddled,uneven,opalescentmirroralargeflockofsheepreflectthelightofbothfiresatmyright.Aherdboysitsbeforethem,occasionallydrivingthemalittlenearertotheshade,orscatteringthemalittlefartheraway.Fromahoganattheleftcomesoundsofthelaughterofthemen.Thegirlwhosepartythisis,sitsdemurelywrappedinherblanketatthecenterofthewestsideofthehogan.Shelooksmodestlyatthefloorwhiletheguestsenjoythemselveseating,smoking,andgossiping.

Justbeforemidnightweallgointothehoganwherethegirlis.Itisasmallhouseandonewondershowitcanpossiblyholdallthesepeople.Buttheyallhavethefacultyoffittingthemselvesandtheirclothesintoaminimumspace,justastheydoinhuntingtheonlysix-inchspaceofdrynessinahoganduringarain.

Achorusofyoungmenaccompaniesthesinger.Theysingastheybeattimewiththerattles.Thereisacedarfireinasordidstovepipeandgalvanizedtinarrangementwhichfurnishesheatwithoutlight.ThecedarsmokecombineswiththeperspirationofthetightlyhuddledaudiencetoproduceatypicallyNavajoodor.Wepayourrespectstothegirlandherfamilybywithstandingthewarmth,thecloseair,thesmoke,themonotonoussinging.Itisaperfectsoporifictowhichwemustnotyield,forthepurposeofthesingistokeepavigil.Anyonemaygotosleep,butheshouldnotdosoinsidethehogan.Alittleafterone,thereisapausetoallowthechorusashortrestbeforetheystartoffonanewgroupof

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songs.Ipassaboutapackageofcigarettes,gratefullyacceptedbythewomenaroundme.Mariekeepsnudgingme,"Whattimeisit?"Iholdoutuntiltwo.Mariesayssheisgoingtostay.

Igotothecar.ThereIfindTomandBenwrappedinTom'sblanketonthebackseat,Danspreadoutwithmyblanketoverhimonthefront.Ihaven'tthehearttowakethem,andIsaunteruptotheshade.Iwilllienearthefire.ButInomorethanshowsignsofretiringthanoneofSilversmith'swiveshuntstwosoftsheepskins,shakesthemoutandsmilinglylaysthemdownforme.Nomattresseverfeltsogood.Iamjustdozingoffwhenshecomesagainwithawoman'sblanketwhichshelaysoverme.Exactlythewaytheyputtheirchildrentobed.Iamtoosleepyandtoomuchtouchedbyherthoughtfulness,herversionofhospitality,tothinkmorethandreamilyoftheimplications.Idriftintoasoundsleep.

Iamarousedatdawnbyageneralbustleandbythechangedandenergeticcharacterofthesongs.Thechorushasstartedwiththedawnsongs.Igetup.Themagicandtheglowhavefaded.Thefiresarelow.Theairiscold,thesheepareuncivilballsofmillingwhite,eventhecolorfulclothesoftheguestshavebecomedulled.Thesunisonlyapromise;hisraysarelong,faint,andcold.

Youngfellowsstandonbothsidesoftheentrancetothehogan,someofthewomencollectinbeviesfartheraway.Twocontinuetowatchthecooking.Onegroupofwomenhasgoneovertothepitandisengagedinuncoveringthesweetcakewithcunningfingerssothatnosandgetsintoit.

Westandshiveringforsomeminutes.Thenthegirlrushes

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outandtriestoruntowardtheeast.Sheispartiallyblindandtheracetheboyshavewithherispathetic.Buttheyletherwin.Aftertheyreturn,allgatheraboutthesweetcake.Thisistherewardofallparticipants.Thesingerandhisaidesareservedfirst,thenweeachgetagenerouspieceservedonacleanbrittlecornhusk.Itisrathersoftandsoggy,saccharinetomytaste,thusearlyinthemorning.Wepulloffbitsoftheconfectiondelicatelyaswesitabouttherenewedcookingfire.Thatwhichwecannoteatwetieupandtakealongtobecriticisedbythestay-at-homes.

ThesunhasnotevenbecomewarmwhenwedriveupbeforeRed-Point'shouse.Wehaveonlyonepassengermorethanwetook,oneofTom'sauntswhowantstovisitusafewdays.Wearenotguests,butwepauseforatimewhilethedogssettledownandMarielooksintothehousetolocatehermother.Shereportsfavorably,andthehusbandsgointothehogantoeatwiththeirfather-in-law.Iproceedtomyownablutionsandbreakfast,thencetoweavingmylittlewhiteblanket.TodayismylastchanceandIshouldbemuchhumiliatedtorequireMarietofinishitwhenIhavevowedthatnotonestitchshallbehers.

Iamleftaloneforseveralhours.Isupposetheothersaresleeping.Icoulddonicelywithanapmyself,butIwillnotbedefeated.Iamnotveryefficient.Imakenomajormistakesbutthebattenfrequentlysnapsdownfromitshorizontalpositionandthatwhenmyfingersarebetweenthesheds.ItmakesmegrumblethethingsIsaywhenahammergoeswrongindrivinganail.Ifindtherearetworeasonsforitssnapping,onethatthewarpistight,acircumstancenottobeovercome.Thesecondisthatthebattenisatananglewhich

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willnotallowittoaccommodateitselftothetightwarp.Onecanlearntochangethisanglesothatitdoesnotsnapveryoften.

BynoonIamnotnearlyasfarasIoughttobe,andInoticetheblanketisgettingnarrowertowardthetop.Soonafter,Marieandhermotherandherauntcomein.

"Didyousleep?"Iaskher.

"No.Ilaydown,buteverytimeInearlywenttosleepIbegantocry;soIgotupagain."

"Whywasthat?"Iaskinnocently.

"IfeellonesomewhenIthinkofyougoingaway."

"Well,Iamgoingtomissyoualltoo.ButIhopeIshallcomebacknextyear.Howdoesyourmotherlikethecake?"

"Wedon'tthinkitisverygood.Itoughtnottobesoggylikethatinthemiddle.Mymotheristheonlyonewhoknowshowtomakeitrealgood."

"Theyusedtochewthesproutedwheatforit,didn'tthey?"

"Yes,mymothercanrememberthat;butneverinmytime.Insteadmymotherboilssugarinwaterandmakesasyrupwhichshemixeswiththedoughmadeofsproutedcorn.Thiswasmadeofsproutedwheatandthesugarwasjustsprinkledoverthetop.Everybodysaysmymother'stastesbetterthananybody's."

"Ithinkthesingwaskindoftame.NotnearlyasgoodasIhaveseen,"Iremarkbywayofsummary.

"Yes,itwas.Youknowit'salwayslikethatwiththosepeople.Theyalwaysdothingsthatway."

"Didyoustayinthehoganallnight?"

"Yes,andeventhesingerandallthepeoplewenttosleeprightinthere."

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"Isn'tthatterrible!Thegirlwillnothavegoodluck,willshe?"

"Itisnotagoodway.Sheispitifulanyway.Notverystrong,andshecanhardlysee."

AswetalkoneoftheeducatedNavajoboyswhoactsasaninterpretercomesinwithageologist.Theyareprospectingforcoal.AlthoughourconversationisindeedpleasantIamonpinsandneedles,forImustgetthatblanketdone.Igetimpatientaboutit.Ihaveneverbeensotiredandkeptonweaving.Ihaveneverbeforebeenpinchedfortime.Ithink,"IfIcouldonlybeleftalonetodoit!"butIhavecompanymoresteadilythisafternoonthanever.

IthinkitstrangethatAtlnabahasnotcome.Mariesayssheisbusyfinishingherlittlerug.AtlengthsheappearswithitasIamforcinginmylaststitches.Iamthefriendforwhomshewasweavingit.

Thesunsinkslowandfinallytheyallleaveme.Afteralltherearechorestodo.Iworkuntilaftersix,whenItakedownthelittleweb.Itisnotsinuouslikethefirst,butneitherisituniformlikethesecond.Theupperendisthree-quartersofathumbjointnarrowerthanthelower.Atanumberofplacesthewarpshowsasuresignthattheweavingistootight.Butanewfaultappears.Onthebackofthepiece,whichoughttolookthesameasthefront,therearepeculiarlumps,loopsmadebysettingthewefttooloose.

IamgladtobealoneasIendeavortokeepmydisappointmentfromdissolvingintears.

Ihave,bymylateness,missedmuchofmyfavoritehouronthismyfinaldaywithit.ButthelastminutesofthesunsethourhavesomewhatdispelledmydisappointmentwhenIbearthechugofamotor.ThetraderhasbroughtCha.They

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bringmymail.Theysaytheydonotthinkthethirdblanketbad.Theycomfortmeonhavingmadeitallbymyself.''ItissolittleIdon'tknowwhatyoucoulduseitfor,"saysCha.

"Youcouldfolditupanditwouldmakeanicehandbag,"suggeststhetrader."Thewidepartcouldbetheflap,andyoucouldfastenitwithasilverNavajobutton.Thedesignsfitperfectlyforthattoo."

Theideaisagoodone.Ihavealwayshelditinreserveasasymbolofthecomfortitgaveme.Myfriends,bothwhiteandIndian,havethefacultyofspreadingbalmonthewoundsofmydiscouragement.

NextdaythewholefamilyhelpsmepackJonathan.Red-PointandthewomenembracemeintheNavajoway,armaroundthewaistandbowedheadofonelyingontheother'sshoulderforasecondortwo.ThenIstartoffasquicklyaspossible,notlookingback.

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XIVCriticismThenextsummerIarriveatGanadotolearnthatMarieandTomhavegonetoLosAngeles,butRed-Pointandhisfamilywantmetocomethere.AtlnabaandMariaAntoniawillbemyteachers.IarriveatWhite-Sandsandreceiveawelcomethecordialityofwhichcannotbedulledbyshyness.Everythingmustbejustasitwaslastsummer.MariaAntoniabidsNinabagoforawagoncoverbutIstopher;Ihaveoneofmyownthisyear.

LastyearinleavingmypleasanthouseIfeltapangIwastooashamedtomentionatleavingthepokerIhadusedallsummer.Itwasonlyastickofaconvenientsizeandshape,strongenoughtocarryafullcoffee-pot,havingaforkattheproperdistancefromtheend,justoneofthosethings.IampleasantlysurprisedthentofindthesamepokerlyingwithitspointtothefireplacewhenIreappear.

Iwantedtoweavelastsummer;itisunderstoodIshallwanttoweaveagainthis.Ihavegiventhenextruglongandseriousthoughtandhaveconcludedtotryoncemoretomakewhatwesetouttodolastsummer.Ihavemodifiedthedesignsoastoconformtothetechnique.Iwilldoitintheconventionalcolors,black,white,andred.

ThistimeAtlnabastringsupthewarp,herownspinning.Therewillbelittletroublewiththistearing.Shenotesthe

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design,changessomewhattheproportionsofthisone.Thegreenwasmorethanfivehandswidebymorethansixlong.Thisisverylittlelessthanfourbylittlelessthansix.Therecanbenodoubtthattheseproportionsarebetterforthehourglassdesignweintendtouse.

Strangelynocomplicationsenterintothisweaving.Thewarpsofthedifferentshedsdonotsticktogether.Myhanddoesnothurtfromthecontinualthumping.Evenwhenthedesignbeginstogrowafterwelayinaseriesofnarrowstripes,thewarpstrandsseemtoknowtheirplaces.Imakemistakes,ofcourse,butfindthematonceandknow,too,howtocorrectthem.Thefinishedwebisfarfromperfect.Atlnabahastriedtocatchmyerrorsandhassucceededinbringingwanderingstrandsbacktotheirplaces.

WithMarieandTomgone,theranchisshort-handed,andAtlnabamustputhermindandeffortintodutiesshewasfreefromlastyear.Shehastwolargerugsstrungupinhersmallhogan,asand-paintingoneandanordinaryonewithredbackground.Besidesbearinganadditionalburdenoflabor,shedoesnotfeelverywell,andherownweavinghardlyprogresses.ForthesereasonsandbecauseIdonotneedhersomuchaspreviously,sheoftenleavesmetoworkbymyself.MyblanketwhenfinishedhasthereforeinaccuracieswhichoneofAtlnaba'swouldnothave,buttheyarewhat"makeitlookhandmade."

AsIadvanceabouthalfwaytothecenteritseemstomethecombinationofblack,white,andredistoohard,tooglaringlyclean.IaskAtlnabaifshehassomegrayyarnandshegivesmeaballofabeautifuldarkgraymixture.WhensheseesthatIhaveintroduceditintomysidestripes,sheis

MyFourthRugwithPatternPlannedfortheSecond

AGoodEdge

Sheep

HuskingBee

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pleased.Shefeelswithmethatthepatternissoftenedandtherebyimproved.

ThemistakeMarieandImadeinthehourglassofthegreenblanketlefttoomuchspaceateachsideofthecentertobefilledinwithstripes.ButIcouldhaveimprovedtheeffecthadImadethestripeswider.Somehowthenarrownessofthestripesdetractsfromthedignityofthedesign.Thisisonlyaminorlessonthegreenrughastaughtme,andinsettingthesidestripesofmynewrugIguardagainstchangingthecolorstoooften.

Weneednotwaituntiltheblanketisfinishedtoseethatthechangedproportionslongerandnarrowertheaccurateplacingofthepattern,theintroductionofthesoftdarkgray,andthewideningofthesidestripescombinetomakeavastimprovement.

Mydelightinweavinghasnowaquietsatisfiedcharacter.Thematter-of-factattitudeofmyfamilyhascommunicateditselftome.IletAtlnabatakeaturnattheweavingjustashermothermightandhavenoqualmsofconscience.WhenIcomplainedofnotbeingabletoseetheedgepullingin,oneofmywhitefriendssuggestedthatItieastringfromtheclothbeamtothetopoftheloomsothatIcouldconstantlymeasurethedistanceofthewebfromafixedpoint.Ihavedonethis,anditaddsmateriallytomyperspective.MariaAntoniaandAtlnabaconsideritagoodidea.

Wehavevisitorsagainthisyear.Manyofthemarewomenwhowereherelastyear.OnedayMariaAntoniabringsTom'saunt,theonewebroughtwithusfromthegirl'ssinglastsummer,tovisitwhileAtlnabaiswithme.Wearediscussingthepattern.Atlnabahassuggestedthatasmallgraytrianglewithintheinnermostwhiteoneoftheconcentrictri-

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anglecombinationwouldbenice.Andstillanothergoodpatternwouldbeastepmotivewithintheredtrianglerunningintowardthecenterwhiteoneandbreakinguptheratherlargewhitespace.Wetellthenewcomersoftheseideas,andtheyapprove.Tom'sauntsaysshewouldoutlineeachofthetrianglesinacontrastingcolor,theredwithblack,theblackwithred.

Ishouldlikeanyofthemodifications.Nonewouldbedifficult.Theoutliningmeansadditionalwork,butisverytypicalofNavajoweaving.WhenAtlnabamadethesmallblanketwiththecombpatternforme,shepickedupanddroppedthirtydifferentweftthreadsinweavingasinglerowacrossthemiddle.Agoodweaverofcourseneverconsidershowmuchworkapatternis.Sheseesitasafinishedwholeandexertsherselftoaccomplishtheideal.

Thissummeranumberofinterestingblanketsarebroughttothetrader.Thereisarevival,undertheencouragementoftrade,oftheblanketsmadeofvegetaldyes.Ihappeninatthetrading-postonedaywhenanexpertatthistypeofweavebringsinherblanket.Itisasoftharmoniouscombinationofdarkgray,black,white,ayellowishgreenandtwoshadesofrose,thecolorofthesandcliffs.Theeffectisindescribableandimpossibleofreproduction.

ThetraderandIsinktotheflooratthesidesofthespreadrug,theweaverlightsattheend.Shetellsuswhateachdyeismadeof.Theplantswhoseroots,leaves,stems,orblossomsfurnishthematerialsarescarcenowadaysanditrequiresagreatdealoflabortogatherenoughtodyesufficientyarn.Aswetalkoverthedetailsseveralotherwomencomein,sitaslightlyasthefirst,andunobtrusivelyaddtheirinformation.

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Thetraderpullsoutotherblanketsdyedwithnaturalcolorsasthetalkgoeson.Eachonebringsforthsomebitofnewknowledgeoranopinionontextureorpattern.

Theso-calledvegetabledyefabricsmaylegitimatelybetermedblankets.ThekindIhavebeenweaving,themostordinarytype,mightbetterbecalledrugs.Fortheyaretightandfirmintextureandthereforesomewhatstiffandhard,atleastwhennew.Theybecomesofterandmorepliablewithwear.Theconstantwearoftrampingfeetbringsoutalllatentflexibility.

Butthevegetaldyeblanketsareinaclassbythemselves.Theyhaveastylewhichistheirsalone.Fromtheirveryinceptiontheyaredelightfullyyielding.Thewarpoftheirfoundationiscoarserthantheoneweuse.Thestrandsareseparatedbyheaviertwiningyarn,whichcausesthemtostandfartherapartthanthosetowhichweareaccustomed.Theweftyarnisthickerbutmorelooselyspun.

IreturnfromtheinterviewwiththeconvictionthatwhatIhavelearnedisameredropinthebucketcomparedtowhatthereistoknow.NotonlymustIlearntheplantsandmineralsusedinthedyes,butalsowheretofindthemandthelongtediousprocessesofconcoction.NeverthelessIshallneverbecontentuntilIhavesometimemadeablanketofthistype.

Anotherofourvisitorsisaschoolgirlwhoinspiteofhereducationisinterestedinweaving.Shehasbeenbackatherhomelongenoughtotakeitupintensivelyagain.IhaveJames'IndianBlanketsandTheirMakerswithitsmanycoloredillustrations.SheandAtlnabaleafitoverbythehouruntilIthinkthewholebookwilldisintegrate.Theyhappen

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uponaphotographofAtlnabatakenwhenshewasonlyfive.Shewasthencalled"TheLittleWeaver."

Theycriticisethedesignsinthebook.Theyliketheold-fashionedonesbest.Thegirllikesonesowellshesketchesittotakehomewithher.Buttheyhavenotoleranceforquaintnessassuch.Ifanolddesignisbadlyplacedorirregularlyexecuted,theycondemnitasheartilyastheydomine.Agedoesnotexcusebadtechniquetothem.

Muchissaidaboutkeepingdesignsopensothattheweaver"doesnotweaveherspiritin."Theideaisstillbelievedbysomewomen.Atlnabamakesmanyrugswithborders.ThetapestryoftheSun'sHousehasablackborder.Butattheupperright-handcornershehasrunonegraythreadacrossthebordertoserveasa"path."Thelittlered-backgroundrugshemadeformealsohasablackborder,butitisunbroken.

FromthediscussionandcriticismsofmygueststhisdayIgatherthatmanydesignswithopenings,especiallythosewhichareirregulararereallyduetomiscalculationsandill-adjustments.Theymaybelaterrationalizedas"sacred."Onefigureis,becauseofitsageandtexture,abeautifulpiece;thesemodernweavershavenothingbutscornforit.Theseparatemotivesarenotwovenregularly,noraretheywellspaced.Mycriticsandteachersrefusetomakearationalizationfor"holiness."Theycontinuewiththeirremarks,leafingthepagesoverandoverandbackagaintobeginoncemore.

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XVDanOurfamilyhasalurkingworry.MariewritesusfaithfullyfromLosAngeles.EverythingisgoingwellwithherandTomonthewhiteman'sranch.Butthereisanunreasonablecauseforherunhappiness.SheishomesickforDan.SheandTomwentunderanagreementtostayayearatleast.IneachletterthereisanappealforDan,andfinallyMariewritesthetraderthatunlesshesendsDantohershewillnotstay.

Danissevenandsmallforhisage.Heisbright-eyedandsmiling,observant,curious,andoriginal.Wenevergoanywherethathedoesnothaveahundred"Looks,""Whys,"and"Hows,"manyofwhicharelaughinglysuppressed,othersofwhicharepatientlyanswered.Heistheminiatureoldmanwhoonfestiveoccasionswearsasuitlikehisfather'sbestandalwayshisbroadsombrero.Hemakesuncountedgamesoutofsticksandstones,tincansandpiecesofstring,evernewandthrilling.

Hisbrother,Ben,whomIshouldname"PrettyBoy,"isnine.HeisDan'sfaithfulsatelliteandantithesis.Hissecondteetharegleamingwhiteandsound.Dan'sfirstsetarestillwithhimbuttheyaredecayed,showingonlydisintegratedstumps.Benlacksvivacity,originality,andendurance.HeiscontenttostayquietlywithhisgrandmotherwhenDanridesoffwithTomandCurley's-Sontoroundup

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thecattleorhorses.IaskedMadewhyBendoesnotride,andshesaidsorrowfullybutalsointolerantly:''Oh,hecan'tstandit.Whenhewasonlythreemonthsoldsomethinghappenedtohim,Iguesstohisback.Heisallrightnow,buthecan'tstandanything.Rubywastakingcareofhim.Wedon'tknowtothisdaywhathappened.Shecriedfortwodaysbutshewouldnevertellus.Myfathersangforthreemonthsthattimeandhegotbetterbutheisnotstrong,notlikeotherboys."IcanseenothingwhateverabnormalaboutBen.Heischarmingandquiet,shyofcourse,butsoisDan.However,Dan'ssenseofinquirysoonrisesabovehisshyness,andhemustbecomeacquaintedinordertolearn"why"and"how."BenissatisfiedifDanfindsout.Andhecannotstandthestrenuouscontestwithnaturewhichkeepshisgrandfather,father,andunclelean.Soheishisgrandmother'sboy,andhismotherdoesnotyearnforhim.

Red-PointismuchdisturbedbyMarie'srequest.Hedoesnotliketorefusearequesttoanyofhisfamilyifhecangrantit.Butthisonemakeshimponder,andaslongaspossiblehestavesoffhisdecision.Forthetruthofthematteris,hecannotbeartothinkofWhite-SandswithoutDan.HemissesMarieandTomsorely.True,Mariehasbeenawayfromhomeformanyyears,butthosedaysarealwaysthebestwhenallthemembersofthefamilyarehome.Danhasneverbeenawayinhisshortsevenyears.WhenhismotherisgoneAtlnabaandhisgrandmothertakecareofhim.Red-PointmustchoosebetweenhisowndesireandMarie's.

Atlastherultimatumdecideshim.Hehasbeensaying:"MariewantsDan,butIdonotwanttosendhimalone.Wehavebeenwaitingforsomeonetotakehim."Thishasbeenagoodexcuseforprocrastination,althoughofcoursemany

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personshavegonefromGalluptoLosAngelesinthelastthreemonths.

IthascometothetimefortheGallupCeremonial,towhichweareallgoing.Red-PointhastrainedNinabatodancetohisownaccompanimentofsong,drumming,andcallingoffigures.HehasfinallymadeuphismindtosendDantohismother.Dan,characteristically,wantstogo.

WejourneytoGallupwithourusualcapacityload.TheweekoftheCeremonialisthegayestoftheyearforGallup.Thestreets,oft-timesdullandlifeless,areteemingwithlifeandcolor.ThereareIndiansfromnearandfar,andMexicansintheircolorfulshawls;butthemajorityofthevisitorsareNavajo.Ateamofdancersfromanypuebloislargeifitnumbersmorethantwenty.TheNavajoarepresentinthousands.Theycomebycar,byhorseback,andbywagon.CoveredwagonsdrivenbysmilingNavajo,besideeachofwhomsitsademurewomanwithababy,containallthatisnecessaryforadayoraprotractedstay.Theolderchildrenpeepbrightlyoutoftherearcurtain.Withinthebodyarehayforthehorses,cookingutensilsofthesimplestsort,andperhapssomeblanketsthewomanhopestosellordisplay.Theymaybeherownorthoseofherrelativesorneighbors.Thehorsesdronealong,andsuddenlyGallupisaNavajotown.

DanhasneverbeentoGallupbefore,norhasNinaba.Theyaretwoofthemany,buttheycomewithAtlnabaandtheirgrandfatherinmycar.IfIwerenotthere,Red-Pointwouldfindsomeothercartogoin.Possiblythetraderwouldtakehim.IftherewerenootherwayCurley's-SonwoulddrivehiswagonthesixtymilesfromhishometoGallup.Wemeetandpassmanyteams,riders,andcars.Tothehorsemenweshoutagreeting.Sometimeswestopandtalkquietlywitharider

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weknow.WhatistheCeremonialforifnottovisit?Thevisitingmaybeginontheroad.TheNavajodriversofwagonsandautosturnoutofourwayfarsoonerthannecessary,fartheroutthananyonewouldexpect.Theirhorsesarenotskittish;theyjustturnout.

ArrivedinGallup,DantagsaboutafterRed-PointandNinaba.Red-Pointisknownfarandwide,andhehasmuchtotalkoverandtoattendto.AnartistwantsNinabatositforher.Red-Pointarrangesthematter.Hefindsoutthearrangementsforhisownperformanceandisinsistentaboutpromptness.AttheCeremonialgroundshundredsofNavajoblanketsareshownintheexhibitionhall.TheretooarethebestspecimensofotherNavajocrafts.Womencard,spin,andweave,amanhammersathisanvilmakingsilver,anothergroupsiftscoloredsandthroughpractisedfingerstoshowthewhitefolkhowsand-paintingsaremade.

Thehallissmall,theexhibitionsarenumerous.WhitesrubelbowswithIndians,meetingnowafriendfromNewYork,nowonefromCalifornia,andagainNavajofromremotepartsoftheReservationnotseenforyears.Goodnatureandgossiparerife,jokesaremadeandreadilyexchanged.Danisalmostcrushedinthecrowdmillingaboutasaimlesslyassheepinacorral,butAtlnabaandNinabaprotecthimandhedoesnotmurmur.

Nowthehallisclosedfortheafternoonsports,andallmoveout,thewhitestothehugegrandstand,theIndianstothelargeplacereservedfortheminacentralcirclesurroundedbytheracetrack.Thedazzlingcrowdisevenmoreinterestingthantheentertainment.

TherehavebeentoomanynewthingsandtheyhavemovedtoofastforDantogetoutmanyquestions.Thenthehigh

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spotofthedayforhimisreached.TheNavajohorsemenareshowingoff.Racing,broncobusting,relays,roping,contestsofallsorts.Heseesmenwinandlose.Heseesthemascheerfulaboutlosingasaboutwinning,fortheNavajohavebeengoodloserseversincelegendarytimes.Tothemitisthegamethatcounts,notthescore.

Thesportsarefollowedbyafewdances.Mostofthemaredeferreduntilnight,whenhugefireswillserveequallyforfootlightsandstagesetting.ButDanisnotinterestedsomuchinthedances.Evenifhewere,thereisalimittotheexcitementahardylittlesoulcanbear,andhedropsasleep,hisheadonAtlnaba'sindulgentlap.

AteveningOld-Mexican's-SonannouncesabruptlyasusualthatheknowssomeonewhoisgoingtoLosAngelesnextmorningandhehasboughtaticketforDan.Hisgrandfatheraccompanieshimtothestationand,althoughheisanxioustogo,hemakesnoattempttohidehissobsashebidsfarewelltoAtlnabaandNinaba.Theysitquietlyasunbiddentearswelloverprotestingeyelids.Atlnabaturnsherfaceasideasshesurreptitiouslywipesawaythefloodwiththebackofherhand.

AtthestationRed-PointandDan,accompaniedbythetrader,lookforthewhiteladywhohaspromisedtolookafterDan,butshehasdecidedtowaitoverafewdays.So,properlytagged,Danisputintothehandsofthekindlyconductor.Atfirst,heforgetshissorrowinthenewnessofeverything.Hesitsontheedgeofhisseatmarvellingatthelandscapewhichfliespastfarfasterthaniteverdidwhenhebeathiswillinghorseintoagallop.Butitisnotlongbeforeheknowsloneliness.Itcomesoverhimlikeapall.Herearemanypeople,allinterestedinhim,fussingoverhim.Helikes

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theircandyandoranges,buthedoesnotunderstandanythingtheysay.Twenty-fourhoursisalongtimeforalittleboytositstillandmeditateonhisownsmallness.Hisgriefistoodeepfortears,andbesidesheisnotababylikeBen.

Theconductorlooksafterhim,andsomeofthetimegoesbyinsleep.Thesightofhismotherandfatherafteraneternityofstrangenessoncemoreopensthefloodgates,andtheyallweepinconcert.

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XVISheepDippingIamsurprisedonedaytoseemygrandmotherdressedupjustasifsheweregoingaway.Sheusuallylooksquiteshabby.Ordinarilyshewearsashirtsomuchwashedthatitisdifficulttorealizeithaseverbeenvelvet.Herelbowsmayshowthroughthefabric,orthesleevesmaycrawlhalfwayupherforearmfromfrequentcuttingoffofworncuffs.Hertwelve-yardskirtisfadedtoo.Itswidthisefficientfordrivingsheep.Whensheliftsthesideofherskirt,itundulatesinadeterminedway,catchestheattentionofonesheep'seye,andtheflockgoesforward.Theskirt'sfullnessalsohasadvantageswhenitswearersitsontheground.Itnotonlyfurnishesprotectionfromsandandprickers,butalsocaterstoNavajoprudery.Thereareofcoursedisadvantages,nottheleastofwhichisthetendencytocatchonthepricklybushesofthelittle-wateredplateau.MariaAntonia'sskirtsusuallyhaveatleastonethree-corneredgash,andoftenmorethanone.

Shewearshershabbyclothesnotasonewhohasnobetter,butratherasacitypersoninthecountrywhosays,"Ialwayslooklikethisouthere."TodayshelooksquiteaswellasMarieorAtlnabaonthewaytoasing.Theyhavebeentellingmethatitistimeforthesheepdipping;butthisisthefirsttimeintwosummersthatmygrandmotherhasgoneawayfromhome,anditcomesuponmeunexpectedly.Theypack

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upalltheirnecessities,cookpots,food,hay,children,inthewagon,andAtlnabatakesthereins.Herhusbandisridinghishorsetothedip;Rubyandtheherdboydrivethesheep.

Iaskherhowlongtheywillbegone.Sheisnotsureifitwillbetwoorthreedays.Itwilldependonhowmanyflocksareaheadoftheirsandhowfastthesheeparedipped.Ipromisetocometoseethedippingnextday.Astheydriveoff,IsetabouttheactivitiesforwhichIneedconcentration.Innotimethesunisfarpastthe"middle,"andinafewminutessoitseemstomeheisnearlydown.Ihavedecidedtopassthenightwiththetraders.

Therainyseasonisnotquiteoveralthoughithasnearlyspentitself.Idriveleisurelyalongfivemilesofroller-coasterhighway,downandup,downandupagainasIdrinkinthegrandeurofthesunset.Icometothe"bighill,"aroundandoverwhichtheroadtwinesnarrowly.FromitssummitIseeatmyleftadeeppurplecañon,greenatthebottomwithirrigatedfields.Atmyrightthesunissettingacrossawidevalley,theshadowsreplacedbyroseategoldinterruptedbythewhiteresplendenceofchalkcliffs.Asifallthiswerenotsufficient,alightfemalerainlikethatwhichfallsconstantlyoverthehomeoftheCorngods,dropsbetweenmeandthesun.IgaspinmyinabilitytocomprehendthesightfullyasIturnmyheadforty-fivedegreestobeholdacompleterainbowandbehinditthethinnestsliceofanewmoon.

Atthesheepdipallisaction.Anumberofsaddledhorsestetheredtoasmallpiñonstandinacircle.Atashortdistanceashadehasbeenerected.Fromoneofitspostshangsasheep,justslaughtered,whichawomanvigorouslyskins.Notfarfromherfeetanotherwomansittingonthegroundisclean-

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ingtheintestines.FartherawayawomanandayounggirlaretendingasmallcedarfirefromwhichrisewispsofwhitesmokelikethegentlestofthecloudsthrownoffthetowcardsoftheWindgods.Nearthesharpedgeofthewashagirl,shawloverhead,standsbeforearestingflock,awaitingitsturnatthechute.

Asmelloflivesheepmixeswiththeodorofcedarsmokeasweadvanceintothethickoftheactivities.Severalhundredbleating,baaingsheepandgoats,wonderingandfrightened,millaboutinthecorralfromwhichanarrowchuteleadstothedippingtrough.Menandboysstandthickonthesidesofthechutewithprodsintheirhands,urgingthereluctantanimalstowardthejumping-offplatform.Ayoungmantriestokeephisbalanceonthisplatform,slimywiththeyellowsulphursolutionsplashedupfromthetrough,atthesametimethatheforcestheanimalsintotheuninvitingmixturedirectlybeneath.Onlyaboutonebeastinadozengoesintoitvoluntarilyandhemustgraspeachbyheadorwoolandpushhisownweightagainstitsdeterminedresistance.Itisthehardestkindofwork.

Oneafteranotherthebalkingcreaturesslip,jump,orarepushedintothetroughwithasplashwhichspecklesallwithinitsradius.Theliquidissodeepthateventhelargestanimalsmustswim.Theyaredippedforpreventionandcuringofscabies.Sincetheheadisoneseatofinfection,thetendersmustseetoitthateventheheadsareimmersedatleastonce.ClosealongbothsidesofthelongnarrowtroughstandNavajowomen,youngandold,andyoungmenallwithlongforkedsticks.Theyseetoitthattheanimalsarethoroughlydoused,butwiththestickstheyholduptheheadsofthelambsandflusteredewesastheyfranticallystrikeoutand

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makefortheotherendoftherun.Thereoneofthemeninchargeofthedipcountsthemastheyemergeintoaroomycorral.Bedraggledandinjured-looking,eachrunsuptheincline.Theyarediscouragedandsurprisedastheyshakethemselvesinayellowhuddleinacornerofthecorral.ForseveralweekstravellersontheReservationwillask,"Whydoallthesheeplooksoyellow?"insteadofremarkingasusual,"WhydoNavajosheepalwayslooksowhite?AllthesheepI'veeverseenhavelookedbrownanddirty."

Thosewhotendthetroughhavenotworntheirbestclothes.Theyknowonlytoowellwhatadisagreeabletasktheyconfront.

Themothers-in-law,foroncethebetterdressed,aresomewhereinthebackgroundbutcheringandcooking.Dippingisajobheartilydespisedbyall,butitisanecessity.Ifthedippingisdonefaithfullytwiceeachyear,atanintervaloftendaysthereisagoodchanceitmaysoonbeunnecessary.Itrequiresskillaswellasstrengthandendurancebecauseifthesheepbreatheordrinkanyofthefluidorgetmuchintheireyestheymaydie.Neverthelesstheliquidmustsaturatethewoolofthehead.Tosurprisethesheepbyduckingitsuddenlyunderwiththeprod,thentoseethatitinstantlybobsupisthetrick.

Idrivehomealoneafterwatchingtheentireprocedure.Anotherdaywithoutinterruptions.AsIcomeuptothemainhogan,thatofRed-Point,Iseethelockfastenedinthedoor.IwalkafewpacestoMariaAntonia'scookingshade.Notapuporevenakittenisinsight.Twochickenscluckoutsidethebarrieralthoughtheycaneasilysqueezeiniftheylike.

Therestofthedayisincrediblyshort,butquiet,tooquiet.

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Thesun,byitsdeathbringingtheearthtolife,luresmeoutside.Iexpectatanymomentthebarkofanoncomingdog,henceIhavenotgonetoGanado.Butthereisnotasound.Theglowiswithme,itbringsthesageandsandintoagentleradiance,buttherearenowoollypeltstoreflectitssplendor,noscarletshirtstocastitbackintoitself.Abluebirdchirpstohismateinthebranchesofmypiñon,aturtledovecriesmournfullynearMariaAntonia'sshade.

Istillexpectmyfamilyback,andafterdarklayoutmybedundertheGreatDipper.Silencemeetsmyexpectationofmunching,bleating,crying,companionablesounds.Noteventhedullcomfortingsoundsofnosespushingagainstclose-lyingwoollybodiesastheycrowdintothedust.

Thisislimbo.Aperfectplacewhereformethegodsarenot.Iamnotlonesome,Iamonlyalone.TheymustbeherebutIhavenotyetearnedtherighttosay:

HolyYoungWomansoughtthegodsandfoundthemOnthesummitsoftheclouds;shesoughtthegodsandfoundthem.Trulywithmysacrificeshesoughtthegodsandfoundthem.Somebodydoubtsit,soIhaveheard.

Itisquiet,tooquiet....

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XVIIHouseGuardianTwodayslaterasIthumponethreaduponanother,Red-Pointcomesin.Thisisadaydevotedtomuchneededrestforallthefamily.Theyhadtostayatthesheepdiplongerthantwodays.Theyreturnedtheafternoonofthethirdday,andtheranchcametolifeagain.Red-Pointsinksonthefloorwiththetrunkapropforhisback.Iknowfromhisposturethatheisgoingtostayforavisit.Heisusuallyinahurry,hastocatchahorse,gotoGanado,orstartoffinanotherdirectionforasing.Butthedayafteralongstrainlikethedippingisadayoflightactivity,andthemenatleastwillsleeppartofitaway.

''Thesheeparedippedatlast,"beginsRed-Pointashelightstheinevitablecigarette."Itwaslotsofwork.Wehaveallourown.BenWilsonbroughtthosehehasonthemountain,andIhavetotakecareofMarie's,Tom's,Dan's,andBen's.Therearelots."

"Howmanydoyouhave?"Iask.

HetellsmealargenumberwhichIfigureouttobe1,063.Red-PointisthebestofmyNavajoteachers.Iunderstandhimbetterthananyoneelse.Hisgesturesaremorethanvivid,hisspeechisdistinctandclassical.Hedoesnotuse,asdomanyoftheyoungpeoplewhospeakEnglish,asyllableortwoinsteadofawholeword.Fromlearningchantlore,fromsingingit,

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andfromteachinghehasdevelopedthehabitofclearenunciation.

HetellsmeImustwritealettertoMarietellingheraboutthedipping.Ipromisetodoso.Iaskifhelostanyofthesheep,andwithsatisfactionheanswers:"No.Itisdifficulttodothedippingproperly,buthereatGanadoweknowhownow.Notmanywerelost,noneofours.Theydon'tusethattobaccoanymore,itwasnogood.Thisyellowstuffisbetter,butwehavetobecareful."Hereferstothesulphursolutiontheyaretryingthisyearinsteadofthenicotinepreviouslyused.

UsuallywhenRed-PointvisitsmeIstopweaving,becauseIhavetoconcentrateonlisteningandIcannotseehishelpfulgestureswithmybacktowardhimasitmustbewhenIamweaving.ButtodayIweaveashetalks,stoppingonlyoccasionallytolookaroundforacue.AtlnabaandMariaAntoniacomeinwiththelittlechildren,Yikadezba'stwolittlesisters.Theynomorethangetnicelysettledeachwithachildonherlap,thantheanswertoaquestionofRed-Pointelicitsageneralstir.TheyhavetoldhimRubyisatthehogan.TheycallBen,whoisplayingoutside.HegoesforRuby.Red-PointwillnotbesatisfieduntilhehasreportedtoMariethestatusofthedipping.

SoonRubycomesin.Red-Pointextractsfromherasoiled,crumpledscrapofpaperwhichhehandstome.Itisthereceipt,$10.63paidinsheep,onecentapieceforthedipping.ItstatesalsowhatpartwastheportionofMarieandTom.Hewantsmetowriteaboutthis.HegivesalongsentencetoRubyinNavajo,Itranslateitmentallyandwait.AfteralongtimeRubysaysafewwords.Ithensay,"Andhesaid

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so-and-soalso,didhenot?""Iss,"answersRubyasthoughthewordwastornfromherverybeing.

Inthisefficientfashiontheentireletterisconstructed.Itiseasier,Ivow,tolearnNavajothantodependonEnglishwithRubyasinterpreter.Ifeellikeshakingher,unjustlyofcoursebecauseshealmostcertainlydoesnotunderstandme.Sheshouldbecauseshehasbeeninschoolformanyyears.Butshedoesnotunderstandreally,andherdefenseisdumbstolidityorworseyet,uponoccasion,sillygiggling.OnthisoccasionIhavenodifficultyinfollowingRed-Point,forIknowthedetailsofthesituation.Butinanemergency,orwhenweareinahurry,RubyexasperatesmeevenmorethanshedoesRed-Point,whomutterstoher,"Youhavenosense."

BesidesthemaintopicofthedayhewantsmetotellMariethathehasmadearrangementstoimprovehisflockbyhavingtheewesservedbysomepedigreedramstheGovernmentsecuredforthepurpose.Hesaystoo:"Tellherwehavehiredtheyoungman,asshetoldus,toherdthesheep.Wearedoingjustasshesaid.Sofareverythingisallright.Thesheepareallright,thecattleareallright,thechildrenareallright,weareallallright.Thecornishigh.We'llhavelotsthisyear.TomorrowIwillgoanddigitoutagain.Threetimesithasbeenburiedwithsandbecauseoftherains.Itwaslotsofworktodigitout,butitisgood.

"TellherweneedherandTomherebecausewehavelotsofwork.Itcostslots,too,topaytheherdboy.Butwearepayinghimasshetoldus.Wearegettingalongallright.TellhertomakeTomsavehismoney.Don'tlethimdrink,butsaveupthemoneysotheycanhelpusallout.Tellherwearesendingthewoolsheaskedforandabigballofwarp.Andtellhertowritetous."

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AllthesethingsIwriteasfaithfullyasIcan.ThenIaddalittlenoteofmyownexplainingtoMariethatthetranslationofherfather'ssentimentsistobechargedtoRubyandme,andifthereisthatwhichshecannotunderstandtofillinbetweenthelinesherselforaskme.Icontinue,addingmyversionoflifeatWhite-Sands.Mariewillbegladtogetourletter,andshewillreplypromptlybut,likemanywhitepeopleIknow,willignorethequestionsweespeciallywantanswered.

AssoonasheisthroughwiththiseffortRed-Pointgraduallyslipsdownalonghisspineuntilheisrestingagainstthetrunkwiththeedgeofhisshoulders.Hepropsonefootontheoppositeknee,hisaccustomedpositionforrelaxation.Duringhisdictationthechildrenhaveclamberedoverhim.Hehasquietedthemiftheystartedtotalk,butnowhebabblespettinglyatthemandoccasionallybreaksoutsingingalullabyhecomposedforYikadezba.Achildnestlesinthecrookofeachofhisarms.Benissittingforamomentquietlybesidehisgrandmother,playingwithhispuppy,Spot.Ninabahascomeinduringourwriting,andshesitsnearhergrandfather.Red-Pointlooksaboutwithahappycontentedexpressiononhisface.Sweepingthecircleofchildrenwithhishandheremarks,"Mydaughtershavebeenverygoodtometogivemethesegrandchildren."

Myblanketsnolongerhave"newsvalue."Iamworkingonanothernow.Thelastoneisasuccess.Therewerenodisagreeablesurpriseswhenwetookitdownandwecarefullyfixedthecornertassels.Atlnabawovequitealotofit;butIhaveafeelingofconfidencenow,andIamnotconscience-strickenabouthershare.Ihadhopedtobeabletomakemynextblanketofwooldyedwithvegetaldye.Butthatisimprac-

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ticable,soweareintroducingasmallamountofredinsteadofroseoryellowasIhadwishedtodo.

Thepatternisanadaptationfromasimpleold-fashionedrug.Theweavingseemseasy.Aboveallitproceedsinamatter-of-factway.OneofmyprincipalidealsistoattainthenonchalanceoftheNavajoaboutweaving.Thegoalmeanstheacmeofskill.Ihavenotsetmyteethoveravoworanythingofthesort.IhavesaidtoAtlnaba:"Iamgoingtoputupanotherblanket.ButifIdonotgetitfinishedIwilltakeithomerolleduponthesticksandfinishitthere."SoIneednothurry.Ifweareinterruptedbyvisitorsorasingoracelebrationitwillmakenodifference.

IhaveneverthelessresolvedtodoasmuchoftheweavingaspossibleandhavetoldAtlnabatoallowmetomakemistakes.Shehassmilinglyacquiesced.IhaveherlayoutthedesignwhenwecometoitbecauseIhavenoexperience,hencenojudgmentaboutthespace.Atlnabaweavesinaboutaninch,layingoutthecenter,butthatshortspacesufficesforthetrailblazingwhichIneed.Iadvancethediamondpatternbyusingsmallrectangles.WhenwatchinguptheterracedrectanglesIamlikelytoforgetmystripes.Ihavenotroublewithcoördinatingmaterialsandimplementsandmusclesnow,butIrealizetheneedforcoördinatingvision,thevisionofthecompletedesignanditsindividualstripecomponents.

Theblanketnearscompletionasmystaynearsitsend.Ihaveonlyplainwhitespacetodo.Atlnabathinksittooneartoleaveunfinished.IamnotparticularlyinterestedinfinishingoffandIallowhertoweavethelast,mosttedioustwoinches.

Weneedhavenodoubtsaboutthisone.Itisabeautifulconception(notmyown),theideaiscarriedout,notper-

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fectlybutreasonablywell.Whentherugisthrownontheflooritstaysthere.Itisworthitscornertassels.

Onedaywhenheisaboutfivemonthsold,asIinnocentlymakeeyesandfacesatthelatestbabyofYikadezba's-Mother,hesuddenlylaughsaloud.Hehadsmiledbefore,often,butthiswasareallaugh,"outloud,"hisdotingauntsays.ThenIamtoldthathewhomakesababylaughaloudthefirsttimeissupposedtogivehimapresent."Anything"willdo.Duringtheswift-flyingdaysofmystaywiththemIhaveeatenwithRed-Point'sfamilyoccasionally,particularlywhenasheephasjustbeenkilled.ThistimeIwillgiveafeast,haveamuttonkilledinthebaby'shonor,andIwillinvitemywhitefriends,thetraders,too.ThemealisofNavajosimplicity,mutton,bread,coffee,andbywayofluxuryjam,honey,andpeaches.

Thehourissunset,thetableatarpaulinspreadontheground,theappetizersgoodnature,goodtalk,andgoodwill.WesendaplatefuloffooddowntoMariaAntoniawhoremainsatherhousebecauseCurley's-SonispresentwithAtlnaba.InthecourseofourconversationRed-PointpicksupthepokeroverwhichIhavebecomesentimental.

"ThisisoneoftheveryfirstthingstheNavajoeverhad,"heexplains."Apokershouldneverbedestroyed.Itshouldalwaysbekeptwiththepointtothefire.Ifonemovesawayfromhome,heshouldlayituphighsomewherewithitspointtothefirewhereitwillnotbedisturbed.There'sasongaboutitwhichIknow.Nobodyelseknowsthatsongnow.Thatissothepersonswholivetherewillcomebacksafe."

Mygoodsarepacked,thewomenhelpmeloadthecar.

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Thehouseisempty,exceptfortheinanimateloomframe.MariaAntoniaandIlookabouttobesureIhaveforgottennothing.Red-Pointcomesin.Thereseemstobenothingmore.Igoouttothefireandbringinmypoker,asgoodasthefirstdayIpickedituparawunmanneredstick,orevenbetternowthanonthatday,foritspointishardandtemperedandithastheearmarksofabeautifuloldtool.IhandittoRed-Pointandceremoniallyhepointsittothefire,thensinginghissong,laysitcarefullyatthetopofthehogan,itspointontheridgepoletowardthefire,itshandleonthewesternwallofthehouse.

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XVIIIWeddingAtthebeginningofmythirdsummerwithRed-Point'sfamily,Iarrivewithawhitevisitor;onewhohadneverseenaNavajobeforeisstayingforonenightonly.Aswepulluptothetrading-post,Old-Mexican's-Songreetsus."There'sgoingtobeaweddingtonight.Doyouwanttogo?AskJohnTallmanaboutit.""DoIwanttogo?IhavebeenonthisReservationsixsummersandhaveneverseenone."Johnisoneofmyinterpreters,thejudgeatGanado,animportantman.Weaskhimaboutit.Hewantstogotothewedding;wecanstartaboutnine.

Westartattheappointedtime.TheweddinghoganisonlyaboutsevenmilesfromGanado.Theroadsaredryandgood,themoonisfullandbright,ittakesusnotimetogetthere.Thesettlementistypical.Thereareseveralhogans,inoneofwhichthebridesits.Weareusheredintothishouse,inwhichthereareonlyafewpeople.Oneofmyfriendsandhiswifeandchildrencomeintoeatwithus.Johnexplainsafterwardthattheycameinbecause,sincewearenotclanrelatives,thefamilydidnotwantustofeelstrangeaswemightifweatealone.

Thecrowdoutsideislarge,welldressed,andjolly.Weareservedgraciouslyandeatleisurely;myfrienddoesnoteatmuch.Verysoonafterwefinisheating,wearetoldtogo

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intothehousewheretheweddingistotakeplace.Atthebackofthefirealittletothenorththegroomissitting.Hisrelativesoccupyapositionnearhimnorthofthecenterandtherestofthespacenorthofthefireisfilledwithwomenamongwhomwesit.Thebride'srelativessitsouthofthecenteratthebackofthehogan;menvisitorsoccupytherestofthesouthernsemicircle.

Soonthebrideenterscarryingasmallbucketofsugarandacup.Hercloserelatives,eachbearingsomekindoffoodinlargequantity,followher.Astheyenterwefoldourselvessmallerbecausethecircleinthecenterofthehousemustbeenlargedfortheparticipants.Thebridetakesherplaceattherightofthegroom;thefoodisplacedbeforethem.Thenfromapailofwatereachofthebetrotheddipsacup.Thebridepourshersoverthegroom'shands.Hewashesthemandpourswateroverhers.Thiscontinuesalternatelyuntilbothcupsareempty.Uptothistimetheaudiencehasbeenquiet,muchlikeaQuakermeeting.

NowJohninterpolatesinhisquietbanteringvoice:"Uselotsofwater.He'sagoodwater-hauler.Fromnowonyou'llneverhavetoskimponwater."Thisremarkrelievestheseriousness.Everyonelaughsandquiettalkbegins.

Abasketofceremonialgruelisnowsetbeforetheyoungpeople.Onitanoldmanofunimpeachablecharacterhasmadeacrossbysprinklingyellowpollenfromeasttowest,southtonorthandaroundinasunwisedirection.Thegirl'sfamilychosethisoldmaninaconferenceatwhichthegoodandbadpointsofhischaracterwereaired.

BesidethebasketisadishofcannedtomatoeswhichJohnafterwardtellsusisasubstituteforjammadeofyuccafruit.Aftershewasheshergroom'shands,andhehers,thegirl

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withhertwofirstfingerstakesamouthfulofthestiffmushfromtheeastsideofthebasket,thentwofingerfulsofthecannedtomatoes.Hergroomimitatesherexactly,ashedoeswhenshetakeshernextportionsfromthesouth,west,andnorthsidesofthebasketandfinallyfromthecenter.Icannottellhowtheymanagethetomatoes;Ionlyknowtheydosowithouttrailingadrop.

Aftersamplingitthusceremoniallythebridalpaireatallthemushinthebasketandtherelativesofbothgirlandboyfalltoandfeastonthemanydishesofbread,mutton(boiledandroasted),tomatoes,andcoffeewhichtheybroughtwiththemintothehogan.Theyeatslowlyandlong;theircapacitymatchesthelavishnessoftherepast.

ThefeastisfollowedbyseveralspeecheswhichJohninterpretstousonthewayhomeaboutmidnight:"Inoldtimestheyusedtotalktothenewly-wedsallnight.Tonighttherewerenotsomanyspeeches.Onewasalittle'rough.'"AsJohnsettlesbackintherearseatImuttertomyfriend,myvoiceprotectedbythenoiseofJonathan'smotor,"Adviceaboutsexbehavior,Isuppose."

JohnagainleansforwardasIask,"Whatdidyousay?"

"Isaidthatamanandhiswifeareliketwostreamsrunningtogetherforthecommongood.Youmayhaulwaterandwoodforawoman,butifthereisnoloveinyourheartforhersheknowsitanddoesnotappreciateitanyway.Itisthelittleattentionswithlovewhichmakeforhappiness.

"NowIwishtobringupthemother-in-lawquestion.Iforone,basingmyjudgmentonsenseandreason,settingreligionandceremonyaside,feelthegirl'smotherwouldgetalongbetterifshecould'see'herson-in-law.Therealwayscomesatimewhentheoldladyneedshelpandkindness.These

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herson-in-lawstandseverreadytogive.Buthecanbemuchmorehelpfultoherifhedoesnothavetododgeawayeverytimeshecomesinsight.Therefore,itwouldbewiserforyou,youngman,toagreewithyourmother-in-lawnottoavoidher,buttogiveherallpossibleaidandrespectwithoutdoingthat.''

Wethenask,"Didthemotheragreetoletherson-in-lawseeher?"

"Yes,"saidJohn.

OneofthewinteritemsofgossipwhichmywhitefriendswrotemewasthatJohnhadmarried.Hehadbeenawidowerforeightyearsorlonger,aperiodunusuallylongforaNavajotoremainsingle.Johnoccupiesananomalousplaceamonghispeople.BecausehisfatherdesertedJohn'smotherandherchildrenwhentheywereveryyoung,hewasraisedbythePresbyterianMission.Hisupbringingwasthatofawhiteinstitution,butittookplaceinthemidstofhisownpeople.

IhaveworkedmanyhoursontheNavajolanguagewithJohn.Histeachingmeisinterspersedwithnumerousquestions.Whatisthedifferencebetweenreligion,philosophy,andanthropology?(AnthropologymustbeexplainedbecausethatiswhatIcallwhatIamdoing,andanywayJohnlovesbigwords.)Whatdoyoumeanbyatotem?WhatareotherIndianslike?Ourreciprocallessonsshowmethatheiswaveringinhisallegiancetowhiteteaching;bythinking,heistryingtofindasatisfactorywayoutofthequicksandsofbeliefanddoubt.

Duringthemanyyearsofclosecontactwithwhiteshewasobservinghisownpeopleandaimingtomakesmooththeunderstandingbetweenthetwoincompatiblepointsofview,

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hismindhasbeenactivelyatwork.Henotices,forexample,thattheChristianspreachlovetoalltheirfellowswhileatthesametimetheypersecutesomeofthem,notalwaysIndianseither.Onethinghefindsincomprehensibleisthatsomewhitesfeastwhileothersnearbystarve.AslongasNavajohaveacrustofbreadandacupofthinbroth,theywilldivideitatleastamongtheirrelatives.HefindsalsothatpromisestoanIndianstandlittlechanceofbecomingfact.Aboveall,heisimpressedwiththeintoleranceofthesewhitestoward"sin."True,someNavajoareincorrigible.Johnbelievesakindlyexampleandthesoundadviceoftheoldmencandomoreforthesethanimprisonmentorpreaching.

Aboveallhequestionsreligion.Oldmenofhistribe,likeRed-Point,performcuresandcarefortheirsick.Itistheirreligionwhichdoesso.ThewhitepeopletelltheIndianchildrennevertogotoasing;itiswickedtodoso.TheymakethemlearnlongpagesofScriptureandprayers,yetthesethingsdonotcure;itisdifficulttoseewhatusetheyare.Johnunderstandsthoroughlythefunctionofthehospitalanddoctors.Whenheisillhewishestobetreatedthere.Butrepeatedfailuresofthewhitesandfrequentsuccessesofthemedicine-menaboveall,thecharacterofthechantershavemadehimdoubtfulastowhetherChristianityisthebetterpart.Canitbethatthe"philosophy"oftheNavajooldmanismoredesirablethanthesanctityofthewhites,hardlyevernoticeableinpractise?Sodubioushashebecome,indeed,thathehasdecidedtolivemoreliketheIndians.

John'smarriageisoneanswertohisquestionings.AswerollalongthemoonlitroadIaskhim,"Isyourwifeanold-fashionedNavajo?"

"Very,"heanswers."She'sfromBlackMountain."

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"Howdidyouevercometogether?"

"IwasmarriedlikeJacob.Ididn'tknowthegirlIwastomarry.Yousee,myrelativesdidn'tthinkitwasgood,mynotbeingmarriedforsuchalongtime.Theykeptatme,urgingandadvisingmetogetawife.SoatlastIsaidtothem:'Well,pickmeoutagoodgirlandI'llmarryher.Shemustbeindustrious,good-tempered,andquiet.AndIdon'twantonewhodances.But,aboveall,hermothermustnotmindifIseeher.'Icouldn'tdodgebehindatreeorblanketeverytimeIseehercoming,"continuesJohn."Why,I'dbetooembarrassed!

"Well,theyfoundagirlthatseemedsuitable,andhermothersaidshewouldn'tmind.Herfamilyisaverygoodone."

"WereyoumarriedtheNavajoway?"

"Yes,justliketonight.Butmyweddingwaskindafunny.Theyaskedmetomakeaspeechmyself."

"Whousuallyspeaks?"

"Well,theypickthosewhomakegoodspeeches,andthatiswhytheyaskedmetospeakevenifitwasmyownwedding."

"Whatdidyousay?"

"MyspeechwasverymuchliketheoneImadetonight.Ispokeespeciallyaboutmymother-in-law,gavethemthereasonswhyIdidn'twanttogetoutofherway.IsaidIthoughtIcouldhelphermoreinthisway."

Ihaveanotherwhiteguest,andwedecidetogotoPolacca,aHopivillage,fortheFourthofJuly.Theyaregoingtohaveraces.IaskJohntogowithus.HesuggeststhatwegobywayofSalainebecausewehaveamattertoattendtothere."If

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wegothatway,wecanstopandseemywife.Maybeshewillgowithus."

Johnisaperfectguide.Heknowseverygrainofsandintheroad;hegiveslittlebutexcellentadviceaboutroutes.Theroadisdryandhardnow;itmaybenon-existentbythetimewereturnalthoughtheRaingodshavenotyethungatinysignalofcardedwoolinthesky.Johnhasbeenontryingtripswithmebefore.Whenawashroarspast,hecantellwhetherornotJonathanwillmakeit.Buthisexperienceandjudgmentareevenmoreusefulwhenthewaterinasmallwashslinksdeceitfullyandinnocentlyalong."Betterwait,"hesays."Thereareoftenquicksandshere."

Iwaituntilhegivestheword.Meanwhilehebusieshimselfwithshoveloraxandwithsoundingwithhisbarefeet.Asthewaterrunsmorefeeblyandbecomesevermoreshallow,henotonlyannouncestheveryfirstmomentwhensuccessisprobable,butwarnsmeevenaboutthepointwherethequick-sandsarelikelytobeandexertshimselfcasuallytogetthecaroverthisspot.Ihavecomethroughmanyawashwithnotaquarterofaninchorajotofhorsepowertospare,butIhaveneverbeenstuckwhenItookhisadvice.

However,wehavenothinginthewayofroadormotortroublesonthisholiday.AswedrivealongtoSalaineJohntellsmetoturnwestoveratracktomeindiscernible.Afterbumpingaboutfourmilesoversagebrushandhummockswearriveatasettlementofthreehogans.Theabsenceofsheepanddogs,thebroodingquietintheglaringsunlight,andfinallyaswecomeuptothefirsthogan,thelockinthehasp,showusthereisnobodyhome.Johnisneithersurprisednordisappointed.Afterhehasmadehisobservationshedirectsmeagain,andlessthanamilefromthesettlement,which

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isonaflat,wecometoathicklywoodedslope,thefoothillsofBlackMountain.Hereinwell-builtshadesmadeofpiñonandjuniperboughs,scarcedistinguishablefromthetrees,John'swife'sfamilyaremakingtheirsummerhome.

TheslopewithBlackMountainbehinditatthewest,nearenoughtomakeconvenientitsresourcesofgrass,water,andwood,commandsaviewoftheChinleeValley.TheChinleeValleyisformidablebeyondwordstothestranger.Itissohugethatmanisofnoaccountuponitssurface.Aswedrivealongthemainhighwayforfortymiles,thereisspaceoneitherside,interminabledistanceunbrokenbyanythingsavecolorthatmakesmegaspwithunbelief,colorawe-inspiring,butdevoidofallthatisfriendlyorhopeful.Notrees,nowater,nohouses,justearthgashedbycañons,andsky.Ihavethefeelingofwalkingonahightrestleoveraroaringtorrent;Iamafraidtogobackandmoreafraidtogoforward.Soitseems,too,fromthehoganofJohn'sfather-in-law.

ThedistanceoflessthanamileachievesonemoreofthemiraclesoftheSouthwest.Atthesummercampthetreesextendahospitalitywhichgivestheviewsonbothsidesperspective;theyshelterandwelcome,astheybringthevastpanoramaintoacomfortablerealitywhichforsomemomentsIhadlostintheuncanninessofspace.ThepeoplewhochoosethemforashelterarelikeahandstretchedtomeasIwalkovertheabyss.

Thisfamilyisanexampleofthe"wildest"oftheNavajo.Theairofself-sufficiencymakesthemso."Wild"becausetheirdependenceonthewhitemanisataminimum.Theyvisitatradingstoreperhapsonceamonthorevenlessfrequently.Whentheretheybuyonlystaples,flour,sugar,andcoffee,occasionallysomevelvetanddressgoods.Theydonot

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loiterlong.Manyofthewomen'srugsarecoloredwithdyesmadefromplantsfoundontheslopesofBlackMountain.Theyusuallyweartheirsilverandturquoiseinsteadofpawningit.WearegreetedbyJohn'sfather-in-law,atall,straight,lean,handsomemanwhosepoisenosituationcoulddisturb.

Johnlooksinthreeorfourofthecampsforhiswifeandfinallydisappearsforaboutfifteenminutes.Thenhecomesbacktousaswesittalkingwithhisfather-in-law.Wecontinueourtalkforsometwentyminutes.IaskJohnifhiswifeisgoingwithus,andhesayshedoesn'tknow."AfterIfoundherIhadanicelittlevisitwithher,andthensuddenlysheranoff."

Finallywedecidesheisnotgoing,andallreëmbark.Jonathan'smotorisevenstartedwhenalittleboycomestoJohnanddiffidentlycommunicatesthefactthatMolly,hiswife,isgoingwithus.Sheisdressing,wemustwait.Johnbeamswithprideaswelinger.AfternearlyhalfanhourMollycomestowardusovercomebyshynesssopoignantastobepainfuleventous.Hersister'sson,ahalf-grownboy,iswithher.ShehastositprettyclosetoJohnintherestrictedquartersofourrearseat,nevertooroomy,andfilledasitiswithpartofourcampingoutfit.Shedoesnottalkeventotheboyforhours.

WetransactourbusinessatSalaine,drivethroughthevalleyatthenorthernendofBlackMountainandturnsouthoncemorealongitswesternedge.Asthemesascastlongsoftshadows,John,atmyrequest,picksourcampsometenmilesfromPolacca.Heknowswherethereisadelightfulspring.Wepulluphilltowardituntildeepsandimpedesourprogress.Wearesonearafinecampthatwestophereandcarryourbelongingstoalargerocknotfarfromamedium-sizedpine.

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Johnhasmadeusasplendidfire,andheandtheboyhaveassembledalargepileofwood.Carryingalltheemptycanteens,theygoexploringforthespring.AsmyfriendandIprepareoursimplebutamplesupper,Mollysitsbyattheedgeoftheflickeringfirelightandwatches.Thevirulenceofherafflictionhassofarabatedastoallowusanoccasionalbriefsmileimplyingjustashadeoftrust.AsthesettingbeginstotakeonthepolishofperfectionIamunpleasantlyremindedofalargeanthillneartherockwhichisservingasourtable.Aredantbitesmeontheankle.NowIknowwhy"sittingonanant"isabogytoYikadezba.Allantsareuncomfortable,notallbite,butanyantmightbearedant.Itsbitedoesnotstingforamomentunmercifully.Ithurts,pains,andsettlesdownintoanachewhichrivalstoothacheandlastsforseveralhours.Iovercometheunpleasantnessbyrubbingandconsiderablegrumbling.

Asourfirestrengthensandourcoffeecheers,severalNavajocomewithinhearingdistance,wheretheystopandsit.BythistimeJohnhasreturnedandwearereadytoeat."DowefeedthoseNavajo?NavajoalwaysfeedNavajo,dotheynot?""Sometimesweaskthem,andsometimeswedon't,"answersJohn.''Thistimewedon't."

Hegoesoverandtalkstothembriefly,returningwiththereport:"Theonemanlivesinthathoganthere"pursinghislipstowardafireabouttwohundredandfiftyyardsdistant."Hewantedtoknowifwewerestuckinthesandorsomething.Isaid,'No,wearecampingforthenight.'ThenhetoldmeifweneedwaterthereisagoodspringwhereIalreadyfoundit,andhesaystheyhavelotsofwateratthewelldownattheirhogan."

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"Ahandonahightrestle,"thinkI,aswesettlecomfortablytoourcoffee.

WhenJohnreplenishesthefire,henoticesapiñonstumpabouttenfeethighashortwayfromit.Withhisfootheshovestheglowingemberstoitsbase,reinforcesthefuelsupplyandwesoonhaveaflamingpillarofwarmth.

AswesettlecomfortablywithcigarettesIhaveafeelingthatthisisadventure.Afullstomach,quenchedthirst,thewarmthandbrightnessoftheburningstump,thecoolsoftnessoftheair,thefriendlinessofthemanwholivesinthehogan,thepresenceofafriendtooovercometospeakherjoy,John'sbeamingface,eventhesmilingtimidityofMollyitcannotbethatthesesimplecomponentscandefinesuchawill-o'-the-wisp!Yetformetheydo!

ThenextdayweattendtherodeoatPolacca.Itisverytame.WeagreetoreturnhomeearlyasJohnremarks:"TheHopiarenohorsemen.Theydonottravelenough.Burrosaretheirspeed."

Myfriendanswers:"Yes,andahalf-hourbetweenevents.Itistoohottowaitforthem."

ArrivingatGanado,werelatetoourwhitefriendsourimpressionsofJohn'swife.Twodayslatertheytellme,"John'swifehasgonehome."

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XIXShootingChantMybehaviorthisthirdsummerhardlyindicatesmyinterestinweaving.IhavebeenatWhite-Sandsthreeweeksandhavenotsetupablanket.Therearevisitors.ThentheNavajoCouncilmeetsatFortWingate,andIattend.IamdelayedatGallup,andItakeanothertrip.

AttheGallupCeremoniallastyearImetagaintwotraderswhohadbefriendedmeduringmyearlytravelsintheNavajocountry,Mr.Short-PantsandMr.Little-Man-with-the-Spectacles.IthoughtIhadlearnedmuchaboutweaving,buttheirexhibitionanderuditiontaughtmeIamfarfromfinished.Theywereshowingsmallloomswithblanketshalfwoven,eachillustratingadifferentweave.Amongthemwerebeautifulbutsimpleeffectsachievedbyskilfulmanipulationofthewarps.Thesetradersinvitedmetocometotheirpostandlearntheseweaves.

IamjustabouttostartonmynewandinterestingquestwhenwordcomesthatRed-Pointisgoingtohaveanine-daysing.Theletterfrommywhitefriendsays"forMarie."Iamabitworried,forwhenIleftherMarieseemedtobeinperfecthealth.Asingmeansusuallyonething,thatsomeoneisill.IhastenbacktoWhite-Sands.Red-PointisgoingtoperformtheShootingChant,themajorchantforwhichheismostfamous.Ihavealreadyseentheforty-sevensand-

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paintings,anyofwhichhemaychooseforagivenperformance,andIhavethelongmythonwhichthechantisfounded.Ithadbeenwrittensomeyearsagobutneverpublished,fromthenarrationofBlue-Eyes,Red-Point'sprincipalteacher.Ihaveheardmuchaboutthechant,Ihaveneverseenit,nordoIunderstandit.InallmyexperienceintheNavajocountryIhaveneverfollowedachantthrough.

TheveryfirstnightofmystayatWhite-Sandsthefamilyvisitsme.Thesingisquitethemostimportantaffairintheirminds.Alleffortsarebeingcenteredaroundit.ItellthemIshallbegladtodoanyerrandstheymayrequirewiththecar.Red-Pointsaysthereisonemedicinetheymustgetfromalongdistance,anditmustbefreshwhentheyuseit.PerhapsIcangetthatwhenthetimecomes.

"ItoldOld-Mexican's-Sonthatifhebringsanywhitepeopletothissing,eachwillhavetopayadollar.SoIwantyoutoputupsigns.Old-Mexican's-Soncancomehimselffornothing,ofcourse.Heisjustlikemyownson.Whitepeoplemakeuspayforeverything,andtheyoughttopay,too.Nowyou,youarejustlikemyownchild.Thatisdifferent.Iamgoingtotellyouabouteverything.Youmustwatchandgeteverythingjustright.OnemorningIstartbeforesunrise,andIwillwakeyouup."

WhenIreiteratemydesiretohelp,hesays,"Youdon'thelptheSinger,justthepatients,MarieandNinaba."

Afterhegoesout,MarieandIplanwhatIamtogetforher.Sheneedsmanyyardsofcalico.Ihavethreeten-yardlengthsandgiveherthose.Shewillneedalsoagreatdealofflour.Finallywegetaroundtothequestionthatinterestsmemost.ForalongtimeMariehashadheadacheandpainsinherlegs.WhenshewasinLosAngeleslastyearheremployer

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tookhertothehospital.Thedoctorpulledatoothandsaidsheoughttohavethemallout.Ishudderattheverythought.Sodidthefriendlywhitewoman,butMariegrewnobetter.

OnenightwhileIwasaway,shefeltsoillshedidnotsleepatall.WhereuponRed-Pointdecidedtohavethesingatonce.

"Usuallytheythinkaboutitalongtime.Theygetsomeonetotellwhichsingtheyoughttohave.Wedon'tneedtodothatbecausemyfatherknowsthisistherightone.YouseewhenIwasatschoolattheMission,itwasstruckbylightning.ThatiswhyIamsick.TheShootingChantisthecurefordiseasescausedbylightning,snakes,andarrows.Sincethereisnodoubt,myfathersayswewillbeginrightaway.Itwilllastninedays.Ninabawillbewithmebecausesheoftenhasheadache,too."

Red-PointandMariaAntoniaspendseveraldaysgettingtheirlargewell-builthoganready."Iamgoingtousemybestandlargestpaintings,"hesays,"sowehavetohavelotsofroom."

Mycasualvisitstohishousehavenotsufficedtomakemerealizehowmuchthereisinit.Itisarichman'shome.Therearetrunksandsuitcasesfilledwithvaluables,clothbytheyard,velvet,basketsandotherobjectsofbulk,nottospeakofsurplusfood,particularlyflour,sugar,andcoffee.Therearemanythingswhichhavesupernaturalpower;somelargeandbulkyliketheelaboratelypainted,wound,andfeatheredprayerstickshewillsetuparoundthesand-paintings;otherstinybutimportant,likethebitsofpreciousstones,abalone,whiteshell,redshell,jetandturquoise,andthediminutivesacksofbuckskinwhichcontainsanctifiedpollen.TheseandmanyotherthingsarethetangiblesymbolsofRed-Point's

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professionasachanter.Assuch,theyaretiedupinabulkyandorderlybundlewhichhangsfromtheceilinglogsofthehogan.Andsinceheknowsmanychantshehasmanyofthesebundles.AllbuttheoneheisusingaremovedtothevacanthousewhichbelongstoBenWilson'swife.

Jewelryandbeadsarelefthangingontheirnailsbecausetheywillbeused.Theyfurnishtheonlytouchofcolor.Bundlesofdriedherbs,whichalwaysgiveRed-Point'shouseafaintandpleasantodorofhavingbeensprinkledwithincense,arealsoremoved.MariaAntoniatakesdownherloomandlaysitwiththeunfinishedblanketattachedacrossthelargersupportsofherricketyshade.ShemoveshercookingutensilstoMarie'shogan.

InfrontofhisownhouseTomiserectingalargeshadeofpiñonpostsandjuniperbranches.HereMariaAntoniawillhaveherheadquartersduringthesing,herethefoodwillbepreparedandfromheredispensed.Inmyuncertaintyastowhichinteresttochoose,Tomerectingtheshade,orRed-Pointworkinginhishogan,Ivacillatebetweenthetwo.Tom'sworkproceedsrapidlyashedigsaholeforaposthereandprunesanotherlogthere.Red-Point'shousehasbeenemptied;itnowlookshugewhereitwasonlylargebefore.Itiscleanfromsweepingandsprinkling;anearthysmellcombinedwiththefragranceofcrushedherbspervadesit,forRed-Pointhassettleddowntopreparingthemedicineforthemorrowandthefollowingthreedays.Hehaslargerorsmallerquantitiesofplantslyingbesidehim.TherearemoreofthebranchesofDouglassprucethanofanyotherkind.Hesitswithhisfeetcrossedtailor-fashion,ashedoeswhenhepaintsonpaper,hischoppingblockplacedbeforehim.Ashetalks,hechopsthemedicinefinewithhisax,whichheholdsclose

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totheblade."Idon'tusuallyhavetodothistediouschopping,"heexplains."Thepatienthassomeonetodoit.Butsincewedonothavemanytohelpus,andastheboysareallbusy,Iamdoingitthistime."

Hetellsmethenameofeachofthefifteenplantsheusesandgivesmeasampleofeach,explainsalsowhereitgrows.Heusestheentireplantofoneofthemints.Onecalled"thunder-plant"isfragrant;oneofthesageshecalls"frog-food";aredpentstemonis"humming-bird'sfood'';thereisonecalled"bat'sfood."Someareshrubsortwigsfromtreessuchasredwillow,scruboak,andchokecherry.Awaterplant"on-top-of-water-it-spreads"mustbesecuredfromaspring.Red-Pointchopsaharddryroot,"the-vomit-of-Enemy-Slayer,"andaddsonlyasmallquantitytothemixture.Mostofthemarefoundnearby,buthemustgofarafieldforafew.Astillsmallernumberarerareindeed,andheusesonlyalittlefromthepouchesinwhichhecarefullyhoardsit.Theyallsmellpleasant,somearepungent.When,afterthreehours'steadylabor,hespreadsthecombinedbitsofgreennessoutwidelyonablanket,itisapleasingmassindeed.Heleavesittodryfortheafternoonashepeersaboutinhopeofdinner.

Iamunwindingmylegspreparatorytogettingmyown,whenMariaAntoniacomesinandasksifIwon'tstayandeatceremonialgruelwiththem.Iwill.Shesoonbringsinacleanclothwhichshespreadsontheground.Onitshesetsabowlofthickcorn-smellingmush.Thereis,too,abowlofmuttoncutupinfinepieceswithmuchstrongbroth,piping-hot,abasketoffreshtortillas,andtheindispensablecoffee.Themushismadeofcoarselygroundbluecorntowhichjuniperasheshavebeenadded."Withouttheashes,"Red-Pointexplains,"itwouldbeliketortillaswithoutbakingpowder."

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Ithasnosalt;butthestewhasplenty,andIfindthecombinationdelicious.MyfamilyseasonsfoodmuchbetterthanotherNavajoIhaveeatenwith.ThewomenareeatingthespecialtreatinMariaAntonia'sshade.AfterRed-PointandIarewellstarted,Tomjoinsus,tiredafterhislabor.

Thefirst"day"ofthechantbeginsatnineo'clockthis"night."Allceremonialdaysarecountedfromsunsettosunset.Thereisashortriteinthelargehogan.Oneofitsmainpurposesistopurifythehouseandcalltheblessingsofthegods.Curley's-Son,afterRed-Point'sinstructions,takesdownthedriedsprigsofscruboakwhichliebetweentheraftersofthehouseattheeast,west,south,andnorth.Helaysthemnearthedoor,thenplacesfreshsprigsintheirstead.Hesprinklestheoneoverthedoorwithwhitecornmealashemurmurs,"Theeastpole,thepoleIfirstleanedagainst."Hemovestothewestandstrewsthemeal,"Thewestpole,thesecondagainstwhichIleaned."Atthesouthhesays,"InthesandIleanedagainstit,''andatthenorth,"Myhomeiscoveredwithvari-coloredgoods."

Theprayerandriteareforthepurificationofthepatientsandthehouse.By"thesand"hemeanstheoutermostearthcoverofthehogan;bythe"vari-coloredgoods,"thesoftbarkwhichholdsthesandinplace.Hecontinuesthehouseblessingbythrowingthemealinasunwisedirectionwiththewords,"Thefloorofmyhouseisofvari-coloredstones."Thisreferstothefirsthoganthatwasevermade,whichhadfourfloors,oneaboveanother,ofwhiteshell,turquoise,abalone,andjet.

Thehouseblessingcontinues:

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Maythehousebebeautifulwithin.

Maythehousebebeautifulattheback.

Maythehousebebeautifulatthecenterforthefireplace.

Maythehousebebeautifulnearthedoorwherethemetaterests.

Maythecrosspiecesofthedoorpostsbebeautiful.

AtthedoorwayofmyhousewherePollenBoystandsmayitbebeautiful.

AtthedoorwayofmyhousewhereCornflyGirlstandsmayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewheretalkinggodsarestandingmayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewherehousegodsarestandingmayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewhereplantsaremayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewheretreesaremayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewherestonesaremayitbebeautiful.

SurroundingmyhousewhereMountainWomanismayitbebeautiful.

SurroundingmyhousewhereWaterWomanismayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewherebluebirdsaremayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewhereblueswallowsaremayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewherespottedyellowbirdsaremayitbebeautiful.

Surroundingmyhousewhererobinsaremayitbebeautiful.

AtPeladoPeakmayitbebeautiful.

AtMt.Taylormayitbebeautiful.

AtMountain-of-Variegated-Beadsmayitbebeautiful.

AtSanFranciscoPeakmayitbebeautiful.

AtBlackMountainmayitbebeautiful.

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AtSanJuanMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtWhirlingMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtSpruceButtemayitbebeautiful.

AtRainMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtCornMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtPollenMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtCornflyMountainmayitbebeautiful.

AtOld-Age-WalkingandontheTrail-of-Beautymayitbebeautiful.

AfterRed-Pointgiveshimmorepollenandinstructions,hetakesouttheolddriedherbs,strewsthemwithpollen,anddepositstheminatree.

Bythistimethefamily,except,ofcourse,MariaAntonia(shewillnotcomesinceCurley's-SonandTomareRed-Point'shelpers)andthetwopatients,areinthehouse,thewomenontherightoftheentranceorfire,thatis,atthenorth,themenattheleft.IhavedecidedwhenindoubttoimitateAtlnaba.ThereisaspaceatthebackcenterofthehoganwhereablanketislaidforMarieandNinabatositon.Astheywalksolemnlyinatthesouthsideofthefire,BenandDanbegintogiggleuncontrollablyandcontagiously.NinababitesherlipandMariehasdifficultyinsubduinghermirth.Ittakesverylittletosetheroff,asIhaveoftenfound.Weasaudiencearenotoutofplaceifwesmile,joke,orevenlaughheartily,butitisnotproperforthose-sung-overtositgigglingincontinently.

(ThenextdayMarietellsmethatDanwhisperedtoBen,"Everybodyissobusygettinghismoccasinsready,Iamgoingtomakelittlemoccasinsforthepussytoweartothesing,"referringtothekitten

whichwascrawlingoverthem.

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ShetellsmethiswithprideinhereyeatDan's"cuteness";butatthetimehesaidit,Red-Pointwithaword,notharshlybutneverthelessfirmlygiven,triedtoquiettheboys.Awordwasnotsufficientandtheyremainedoutoforder,constantlytemptingtheirmotheruntilTomtookthemoutandgavethematalking-to.)

DuringthistimeRed-Pointistakinganumberofobjectsfromhisbundlewhichhelayscarefullyinoneoftheceremonialbasketsathisside.TomandhisbrothertieherbalmedicinestotheseprayersticksasRed-Pointsingsthepropersongstotheaccompanimentofarattle,alsofromthebundle,madeofbuffalohide.Theymakeanaltarbylayingablanketandonitplacingtheprayer-bundlesproperlytied.Twothicklyfoldedpiecesofnewcalicoareplacedbehindthem,andMarieandNinabaaretoldtoundress.

Theyleavealltheirclothingexcepttheirskirtsontheblanketwheretheyaresittingandtaketheirplacesonthecalico,theirbarefeetstretchedoutstraightbeforethem.Red-Pointnowperformsmanyacts,allofwhichmustbeinaparticularorder.Tomandhisbrotherhavetiedthebundleswithaspecialknot.Red-Pointblowsmedicinemixedwithwateroverthepatients,thentakeseachbundleandpressesitfirmlyfromhipstosolesoffeet,alongthearmsfromshouldertopalm,attwosidesofchestandback,atbackofneck,atforeheadandbackofhead,aswellasatbothsides,andfinallyatthetopofthehead.Witheachmovementhemakesablu-blu-blusoundwithhisthickprotrudinglips.

Afterthishepullsthestringofeachbundleanddrawsoneoverthesolesofthefeet,thepalms,chestandhead.Finallyhemarkseachpatientwithanotherkindofliquidmedicine,andtheybathetheirbodieswithit.Tombringstwocoals

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whichheblowsintoaglow,Red-Pointputsalittleplantpowderonthem.Thepatientsbreatheinthesmokeandrubitovertheirbodies.Thepressingandravellingaredonetotakeawayfever.TheburningoftheincenseistheAmenordoxologytoeachriteinaNavajochant.Sincethisoneistocontinueforninedays,tonight'sperformanceisshortandweretireatabouteleven-thirty.

Fortheentiredurationofthesingandfournightsafterit,allconnectedwithitintimately,thatis,patients,Chanter,andhelpers,mustobserveabsolutesexualcontinence.ForthisreasonthepatientorpatientssleepintheceremonialhoganwiththeChanter.Ifthereisonlyonewomanpatient,ahelpernotherhusbandsleepsthere,too,toactasachaperon.Self-restraintisnottheonlyreasonforthecustom.Itmaybenecessarytobeginritualsbeforethefirstpeepofdawnonsomeofthedays,andtheChantermusthavehispatientswherehecanwakethematamoment'snotice.

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XXCommunionofSufferingIamupbetimesthenextmorningIdonotwanttomissanything.Thesunisstillonlyapromisewhenthemengooutforwood.Theybringapileintothehoganandcallthepatients,whositintheirusualplaceatthemiddlepointofthebackofthehouse,facingdirectlyeast,behindthefire.Red-Pointtakesafiredrillofwoodfromhisbundle.Curley's-Sonbringsabundleofjuniperbark,andbyrapidlytwirlingthedrillintheholeofthefireboardcreatesaspark.Onlyafaintwispofsmokeindicatesitspresence;butRed-Pointblowsvigorouslythoughsteadilyupontheshreddedbarkwhichservesastinder,andsoonalivelyflameisburning.Curley's-Son,holdingitcarefully,movestheignitedmassintheceremonialcrossfromeasttowestandfromsouthtonorth,thenlaysitunderthepileofwoodawaitingitatthefireplace,andagoodfireresults.

Nowthewomenaredismissedasthemenprepareforwork.Alittlebeforeninewe,theaudience,arecalledagain.Thehoganhasoncemorechangeditsappearance.Everythingissweptandinorder.IamwarnedasIstepinsidethedoorandbeholdatmyfeetfoursmallsnakesmadeinsand,asifonewerecrawlingintothefirefromeachdirection.Wewomenwalkaroundthesouthsideofthefirewithitspaintingstoourplacesatthenorthside,IfollowingAtlnaba.Behindthe

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firebutfarenoughawaytoleaveatrailisacharmingbitofmosaicdoneinsand.ItisliketheblackcloudofAtlnaba'sgraysand-paintingblanket,exceptthatithasavariationoftheborder.

Ordinarilyaframesurroundsthecloud.Itiscomposedofwideredandbluestripes,eachoutlinedentirelyinwhite.Tomcallsmyattentiontothefactthatthisonehastheredinside,theblueoutside."Therearetwobranchesofthissing,"heexplains."Usuallytheredisoutsideandthebluein,butsincethisistodoawaywithevilcausedbylightningthebluemustbeoutside.Itwillbethatwayallthewaythroughthissing.Ifitweresungtobringblessingandwardoffeviltheredwouldbeoutside.ThisblackcloudhastheSkyPeopleonit.Theyarethegodsfortoday."

EveryonefamiliarwithNavajosand-paintingsknowsthattheoutlineframeofwhite,red,andbluerepresentsarainbowframeorgarland,butIhadneverbeforeheardthattheredandbluecouldbereversed.Inoticethenthatthesmalllightrafts,shortstubbyversionsoftheframeuponthecloud,havetheblueoutside.Iamtofindthatthecolorswillbeusedthusconsistentlyeverytimetheseelementsappearinthechanthereafter.

AsIhastilynoteafewdetailsofthissort,Red-Pointisarrangingfoursticksaboutaninchindiameterandthreefeetlong.Hespitsoneachone,sticksoneendintothefire,andlaysitatthesideofoneofthesnakes,alwaysobservingtheorderofdirection.Hespitsagaintoeast,west,south,north,andaround,thensprinklespollenovertheSkyPeopleatthewestofthehouse,alongthecanesandtheiraccompanyingsnakes,andfinallyupanddown.

HehadalreadysentCurley's-SontocallMarieandNinaba,

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andtheycomein.Butnowtomydismayheordersmeout.IdonotknowifIamtobeleftoutpermanentlyoronlytemporarily,andmychagrinoverpowersmyhopesasIloiteralonelikeanaughtychildoutsideatthebackofthehogan.Almostatonce,tomyrelief,Tomhuntsmeup,explainingapologetically:"Theoldmansaysyoucouldcomeinallright,buthedon'tthinkyouwantto.Yousee,theyareallgoingtoundress."

"ButIdon'tmindthataslongastherearenowhitepeople,"Iprotest."Yourwomenalldoitwhycan'tI?"

"Theyaregoingtotakethemedicinetoo,butyoucantakejustalittleandusetheresttobatheyourself,"hepromptsasweedgetowardthedoor.

Inside,theparticipantshavemadeready.Therearenogayblanketsorsoftsheepskinsforpatients,Chanter,orguests.MarieandNinaba,nakedexceptfortheirskirts,andwithhairunbound,sitonthegroundbehindthepaintingoftheSkyPeople.ThewomenwhomInowjoinsit,strippedasarethepatients,onthebareflooratthenorth.Tomhasnoredheadbandacrosshisforeheadtobindinhisshorthair;Curley's-SonandRed-Point,aswellasthefewmenvisitors,haveremovedtheirhairstringsandletdowntheirhair.Theywearonlyagee-string.

Thefireisnowreasonablyhot.Themenwhoareofficiating,TomandCurley's-Sonchiefly,replenishitfrequentlyfromthelargepilesofwoodoneachsideofthedoor.Atthesideofthefirestandsalargeold-fashionedsoot-blackenedNavajopotinwhichsomeconcoctionisboilingvigorously.Assoonasthefirehadbeenceremoniallylightedwiththefiredrill,Red-Pointhadputonwatertoboilinabucket.Thenhehadthrownagenerousportionoftheherbshehadsopatiently

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choppedyesterdayintothepotandaddedthehotwater.Sincethenhehascarefullywatcheditsothatitkeepsboilingbutdoesnotbubbleover.Thesurpluswaterstandsreadyandhotwithafewcoalsunderit.

Eachwoman,Ifind,hasbroughtwithherasmallenamelpanandasackfulofcleansandwhichshehasdepositedonthegroundbeforeher.TheChanter'sassistantsarrangeeverythingforthepatients.Theysetabasketonthemiddleofthecloudandatthesideofeachpatientarrangeapileofsandwhichtheyscoopoutintheformofabasin.ArounditRed-Pointplacesfourhoopsofcottonwoodwhichhehascutandpaintedtoresemblewhitesnakes.Ifindmyselftotallyunprepared.ButAtlnabahelpsmeout.ShecallstolittleBenoutsidetobringapanandtellsTomtobringmesomesand.

BythistimeIrealizethatIamtowitnesstheadministrationoftheemeticwhichisindispensableforpurification.Wemustmakeourselvesacceptabletothegodsweshallinvite.Wehavecleanedthehogan,purifieditwithnewherbs,invokedthegodsbysprinklingpollenwithaprayer.Wehavewashedourhairwithsoapweed,wemustnowcleanseourbodiesinsideandout.Red-Pointfinishesoffthefinalpreparatorydetailasheplacesaneaglefeatheragainsteachsideofthebasket,oneforNinabaandoneforMarie.

AllisnowinreadinessforTomhasbroughtinalargebucketfullofcoldwater.Rubywaitsoutsidefororderstogetmore.Weformintoaprocessionaroundthefire,liningupnorthoftheeastsnakewhileRed-Pointsings.Ataparticularaccentedwordinthesongwecrosstheeastsnakerightfootforward,stopandwaitforthenextaccentedwordwhenwecrossthesouthsnakeleftfootforward,repeatinglikewiseforwestandnorthsnakes,andthewholecircuitfourtimes.

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Wehavealreadygonearoundthefirethiswayonceuponentering,andwedosooncemoreattheendoftherite.AtlnabahasbroughtYikadezbaandDjiba,hersister.Djibacanwalk,butonlyuncertainly,soAtlnabacarriesher.ButRed-PointdirectsYikadezbajustashedoesus.Forsomeunexplainedreasonshehastiedalongstringtoherbigtoe.Mostearnestlyshetriestodoassheistoldbutdoesnotknowrightfromleftandsucceedsinconsistentlygettingthe"wrongfootforward"atthesametimetakingexaggeratedstridesinherattemptstodoexactlyright.Allburstintoloudlaughsastheywatchherandeggheron.

Red-Pointnowtakesthecanelyingbesidetheblacksnakeattheeast,pokesitsendintothefire,thenpressesittothesolesofhisfeet,alonghislegs,hands,arms,chest,back,andhead,singingthewhile.Herepeatstheperformance,pressingittothesamepartsofMarie'sbody,thenNinaba's.Oncemorehegoesthroughwithitusingthecanebelongingtothewhitesnakeofthesouth,firstonhimself,thenonthepatients.Whenhegetstothecanebelongingtothebluesnakeofthewest,AtlnababeginstotreatherselfwiththeoneRed-Pointhasreplacedattheeast.Shepressestheendwhichiscoveredwithashesfirmlyandrepeatedlytoheranklesandwrists.Shehasrheumatism,andthiswillmakeitbetter.HerhusbandandTomusethepokercurealsobutinamoregeneralwayasRed-Pointusesitforhispatients.

Latterlythefirehasbecomehotterandasweproceedwiththepokersthemenheapmoreandmoreofthedrycracklingwooduponit.Red-Pointtakesdownthesackofdryingmixedherbsandputsahandfulinthepatients'basketandaportionintothedishstandingonthefloorbeforeeachoftheaudience.Hethenpoursovereachportionsomeofthebrew

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fromthesacredpot.Curley's-Sonfollowswiththebucketofcoldwaterandfillseachpanuntilthemedicineislukewarm.AftertheliquidsettlesRed-Pointstrainsthesolidpartsofffromthetopofthebasketthroughabrushhehasplacednearitduringthepreparation.Handledwithcarethisbrushmadeoffinepliantsticksmakesanexcellentstrainer.Afterthepatients'medicineisclearRed-Pointpassesthebrusharoundandweeachstrainourmedicineandrubtheherbsoverpartsofourbodies.

OvertheceremonialbasketRed-Pointsiftsacrossofwhitepollenashemurmursaprayer.Hetreatseachofourdishestothesameblessingandfollowsitwithoneofyellow.Thepatientsstirtheirsupplywiththeeaglefeathers,westirourswithourindexfingers.EachoftheaudiencearrangeshissandbeforehimtoformabasinasRed-Pointsettlesintohisusualplaceatthesouthwestpointofthehoganandstartssinging.Afterrepeatingtheburdenofhissongseveraltimes,hestressesawordasheaccentuatestheliltofhisrattleandMarieandNinabastoopanddrinkoftheconcoctioninthebasketdirectlywiththeirlips.Wehavebeentoldtowait.Theytakefourlongdraughtsandsitwaitingmiserably.Bythistimethesweatisdrippingfromusall,runninginstreamsdownourfacesandinticklingtricklesdownourbacks.Itfeelslikeflies,buttheheatandsmokehavedriventhemtothecrevicesbetweenthehouselogsoftheroofasfarremovedaspossiblefromthefire.Wehavenosuchrefuge.

ThefourdrinksoftheemeticshouldcausethepatientstovomitbutMarienevervomitsevenwhensheisill.Theysipsomemoreofthegreenish-yellowmedicineandnowwemaydrinkalso.Thinkingtomyself,''WheninRomedoastheRomansdo,"Ibowtotheinevitable.Themedicinehasabit-

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tertastequiteinkeepingwithitsbiliouscolor.Ihaveoftenencounteredmoredisagreeabletastesinourownmedicines.MarieandNinabacontinueconscientiouslytheirstruggleswithit,resortingtothefeathersforaid,andafterlongminutessucceedbutonlywithstrainonMarie'spart.Iknowshehasnoteatenanythingandhasasevereheadache.

Atlnabanomorethanswallowsthestuffwhenupitcomesinthemostsatisfactorymanner.Shetakesmore,andifevertherewasinternalpurification,sheispure.Herhusbandisasconscientiousaboutit;butTomfindsworktodo,woodtobeputonfire,watertobepouredinbasins,anythingtokeephimawayfromhisownmedicine.Hedoesasheadvisedme,takesjustalittle,usestheresttobathe.

Bynowthefirehasrisenandthehoganissuffocating.EvenAtlnaba,myownmodelofenduranceandtheobjectofmyconstantadmiration,pullsbacktotheremotestcircumferenceofthehouseaftercoveringoverhersandbasinneatlywiththesurplusfromtheoutsideedges.Asshewipestheperspirationfromherface,itregisterscompletemisery.MarieandNinabalookwretched,too,andasmyeyewandersaboutthecircleIseethesamedrawnexpressiononthefacesofallbutRed-Point.Heisasactiveandascheerfulasalways,pleasedbecauseallisbeingdonethoroughlyandwell.Ienjoyacertainexultationbecause,althoughIamnotinwardlypure,Ihavenotmovedfrommyoriginalplaceevenwhenthefirereacheditsheight.

Atlastthereremainonlysmallbitsofwoodforthefireandsmallamountsofmedicineineachbowl.MarieandNinabastandupandrubtheremainderoverallpartsoftheirbodies;theentireaudiencefollowstheircue.Theliquidhasacleanrefreshingfeel,butthesticksandleaveswhichhave

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settledtothebottomadheretoourbodies,which,evenifdripping,areclean.Red-PointshakesafewashesfromtheendofapokerintoMarie'sandNinaba'sbasinsofsandandCurley's-Soncoversthemoverwithfreshsandmakingthemlittlemounds.Weallshakeashesintoourownbasinsbeforecoveringthem.Underthebigpilesofwoodthereweretwoneatsetsofsmallregularlyarrangedandevenlyshapedsticks.Thesearenowlaidonthefire,onesetfromeasttowest,theothercrossingit.Theflamesdiedown,onlythehotcoalsremain.Red-Pointjumpsoverthefire;reversinghiscustomarydirection,hestartsatthewestandjumpstotheeastandback,thenfromnorthtosouthandback.Curley's-SonandTomimitatehimexactly.Red-Pointtellstheaudiencetogooutside.

WesitfacingthedoorwhileTomandCurley's-Songatherupthesandofthepaintingsandtakeitoutfordeposit.Aswewait,theagonizedexpressiongraduallygivesplacetosmiles,andwerubthedryingleavesoffourbacks,arms,andlegs.Neverdidsunandwindfeelsogood,neverwasabreathoffreshairsodelightful.Afterthefewminuteswhichhavesufficedtodryusoff,wecomeintothehouseagain.Thefireistameoncemore,onlyaglowingbedofcoalswiththefourpokersintheircrossformation.Theairiscomfortablycoolandhasaslightpleasantfragrance.

Oncemorewetakeourplacesandwait,asCurley's-SonandTomsprinklethecoalswithwaterandmovethembackandforthwithapokerineachhanduntilallthefireisgone.Theygathertheremainsintoagunnysackanddepositthemoutside.Soonaftertheyreturn,weplacethesandwhichformedourreceptaclesonthesacksandpiecesofoldclothinwhichitwasbroughtin.Thenformingaprocessionwemarchin

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singlefiletoaplacenearananthillaboutonehundredyardsnortheastofthehoganwhereliealsothelifelessremainsoftheoncevehementfire.Herewedepositoursand.

Aswereturnfromperformingthisofficewesitnearthepatientsattherearofthehogan.Nearusstandsabasketfilledwithclearwateronwhichbitsofdriedherbsarefloating.Red-Pointtakesalargebunchofeaglefeathers,dipsthetipsintothismedicinewhichsmellslikesweetgrass,andgivesusandthehouseageneroussprinkling.Itisacoolrefreshingshower.Webreathethesmokeofthepurifyingincenseplacedonthecoalsofbenedictionanddress.

Mariegoesofftoherownhouse,herheadachingtooviolentlyforhertowantfood.Igointheoppositedirectiontomine,marvellingontheway:"Thereisacommunionofsuffering,aswellasacommunionofSaints?CertainlyIhaveneverbeforefeltthissortofonenesswithotherindividuals.CanIevermakeanyoneunderstandhowutterlyinoffensiveandunobjectionablethisbarbaric-soundingriteappears?"

IdespairbutIdonotthinkitmatters.Iamapartofthisactivityandfeelexhilaratedattheturntheaffairhastaken.TomorrowIshallbecasuallyaccepted.

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XXITheGodsInvitedThehousehasbeenblessed,theinmateshavesufferedtogethertopurifythemselves.Alreadythematerialsforthesacrificeshavebeenconsideredandareinreadiness.Allispreparedforthegods.AlittleafteroneTomcallsme.Ienterthehousetobeholdapleasantscene.Red-Pointreclinesonhispileofsheepskins,physicallyrelaxed,neverthelesskeepingawatchfuleyeontheworkofTomandCurley's-Son.Atapointsouthbywestofthehogantheysitonablanketonwhichisspreadamultitudeofdaintyandfascinatingobjects:accuratelycut,evenpiecesofreed,smoothflatstoneswhichserveaspalettesforthesmallquantitiesofwhite,blue,black,red,andyellownaturalpigments,brushesofyuccafiber,bunchesoffluffygay-coloredfeathers,apileofvaricoloredstones,eachonealmostmicroscopic,acupofwater,apenknife,apieceofrockcrystal.

UnderRed-Point'sdirectionshissons-in-lawhavecutfromthereedtheprayerstickswhich,afterthepropertreatment,willconveytotheSnakesourdesiretohavethempresentduringthefollowingdays.TheyhelpedtobringonMarie'sailment,theyhavepowertocureit.Therearetwodoubleprayer-sticks,eachaboutsixincheslong,eightsmallones,onlyaboutthreeincheslong.Theyhavebeencutsothereisanodeinthemiddlemakingtwocompartments.Tomandhis

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brotherhandletheseobjectsdelicatelyastheysketchwiththetinybrushesthesamedesignswhichwereusedforthemorning'ssand-paintingsnearthefire,ablacksnakewithwhiteborder,awhitesnakewithblackborder,abluesnakewithyellowborder,ayellowsnakewithblueborder.Tomismoreskilfulatthiskindofworkthanhisbrother.Neitherofthemneedstorememberthepatternsorpositionofthefigures;Red-Pointtellsthembeforetheybegin.Iftheymakemistakestheymustcorrectthem.Iftheyleavethem,thesupernaturalswillpunishRed-Point,forheisresponsible.Hebecomesimpatientonlyifthehelpersarestupidorinefficient.

OccasionallyastheyworkRed-Pointsitsup,graspshisrattle,andsingsashortsong.Ashewaitsandrests,hehumsatune,allowingnofalsemovetoeludehim.Tomfinishespaintingand,asCurley's-Soncontinues,placespiecesofcottoncloth,yellowwithage,inarowontheblanket.Thenfromtheopensackofpreciousstoneshechoosesoneofeachkindbelovedbythegods,turquoise,whiteshell,redstone,abalone,andlaysoneoneachcloth.Alongwitheachinpunctiliousorderheplacesonewingfeather,andonetailfeatherofawildcanary,threefeathersfromthebluebird'stail,onefeatherofeagledown,oneofturkeydown,ahairfromaturkey'sbeard,andabitofcottonthreadceremoniallyspunandtorn.

Curley's-Sonisstillpainting.Red-Pointsetsoutanopensackofyellowpollen.Tommakeslittleballsofbluebirdfeathers,whichhesprinkleswiththeyellowpollen.Bythistimehisbrotherhasfinishedpaintingthereeds.TomlaysthemontheclothsaccordingtoRed-Point'sinstructionswhileCurley's-Sonremovesthesurpluspaints,piecesofreedandallimplementstheyhadbeenusing.Tomputsthebitsof

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preciousstoneintooneendofeachdecoratedreedandinsertsthebluefeatherballasastopper,takingcaretolaythereedbackonitsclothinthestipulatedposition.Curley's-Son,afterdepositingtheunusedmaterialsoutsideattheplacesordained,callsMarieandNinaba.

MyheartgoesouttoMarie.Theexcitement,thefasting,theemetic,havecombinedtomaketheheadacheshehasfromaseverecoldalmostunbearable.Icanseeshecanhardlysitup.Iknowfromexperienceshewouldfeelasbadlyifshelaydown.Theonlyboonshecouldaskwouldbetobeleftundisturbed;thiswillundernocircumstancesbegrantedher,eithertodayoratanytimeforthenexteightdays.SheandNinabataketheirplacesneartheprayersticks.Red-Pointtakesfromhisbundleasmallcaseofyellowbone,smoothwithage.FromitshollowhepullsatinybrushwhichhehandstoMarie.Shedipsitinwater,thenintheyellowpollenandrunsitlightly(reallyonlysymbolically)overeachprayerstickandthearticlesaccompanyingit.Ninaba,asusual,imitateseverythingshedoes.

WhenRed-Pointhasplacedthetinybrushinthelittlebonecase,anditinitsdiminutivesackandlaiditaway,TomhandsMariethecrystal.Thenheholdsoneoftheofferingsbeforeher.Sheliftsthecrystaltothesmokeholeofthehouse,whereitsymbolicallycatchesthesunlight,andwithit"lights"theprayerstick.Ninabadoesthesame.Tomdipsafingerlightlyintothecupofwaterandconveysadroptotheopeningoftheprayerstick,whichhethensealsbyplacingpollenonit.Afterallaresealedtheencirclingclothsarefolded;thenRed-Pointpilestheprayer-bundlesinregularorderandgivesonepileintoMarie's,theotherintoNinaba'shand.Curley's-Son

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standsreadywithanoldblanketwhichisinconstantuseinthischant.

Red-PointtakeshisplacefacingMarieandNinabaandleadstheprayerwhichtheyrepeatlikealitany.Theprayerislong,itmustbespokenwithouterror,nowordmaybeleftout,noneshouldberepeated.Inordertoconcentrate,Red-Pointcloseshiseyes,MarieandNinabacasttheirsdown.Mariedoesnotknowtheprayerbutsherepeatsitaccurately.Ninabafallsbehind,catchesherbreath.AsRed-Pointhastensonwithitshelosessomephraseshereandthere.Astillnessandsolemnityencompassthehogan,themomentisaltogethersacred.

AtSky-Reaching-Butte,AtHouse-Made-of-Darkness,Blackpollenwithwhichheconcealshisbody,Black-Horned-Rattler,youngchief,yoursacrificeIhavemade,YoursmokeIhaveprepared.ThisdayIhavebecomeyourchild,ThisdayyourgrandchildIhavebecome.

Watchoverme.HoldyourhandbeforemeinProtection.StandbeforemeandariseasmyProtector.DomycommandsasIdoyourbidding.LetnoharmbefallmefromtheairasIbreathe,Fromtherainasitfalls,fromtheThundersastheystrike,Frombelowtheplants,fromthetreesunderwhichwaterflorws.DewdropsandpollenmayIenjoy.Withthesemayitbebeautifulbeforeme.

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Withthesemayitbebeautifulbehindme.Allisbeautifulagain,allisrestoredinbeauty.1

DewdropsandpollenmayIenjoy.MayIberestoredagaininbeauty.Maymybodybelight,maymybodybecooled.AsIformerlywas,somayInowgo.MayitbebeautifulformeFromtheFar-Reaching-ButteAttheHouse-Made-of-Darkness,AttheHouse-Made-of-Dawn,AttheHouse-Made-of-Blue-Sky,AttheHouse-Made-of-Yellow-Evening-Light.Mayhappinessbemineagain,Isay.Thisdaymayitbebeautifulbehindme,Mayitbebeautifulbeforeme,Mayitbebeautifulbelowme,Mayitbebeautifulaboveme,Mayitbebeautifulallaroundme.

Withwhitecornpollen,mymouthspeaksnoevil.Big-Fly'svoiceismademyvoice,Isay.IhavebecomeOld-Age-TravellingandtheTrail-of-Beauty,Isay.

Allisbeautyagain,Allisbeautyagain,Allisbeautyagain,Allisbeautyagain.

1"Beauty,beautiful"areonlymychoiceoftheEnglishwords,allunsatisfactory,whichmightbeusedinrenderingtheNavajowordwhichmeans"beauty,goodness,success,comfort,goodluck,desirability,goodwill,blessing,goodhealth,happiness,"infact,allqualitiesandvirtueswhichmandesiresandcultivates.

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Attheendoftheprayer,whichincludesmanyrepetitionsofthestanzas,Curley's-Sontakesthesacrificesoutanddepositsthemwheretheblack-,white-,blue-,andyellow-hornedrattlerchiefsandmaidensmustseethem.Sincewemadeandplantedthemproperly,theHorned-Rattlerscannotrefuseourinvitation.Theywillbepresentatoursing.

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XXIITheHolyTwinsAttheverybeginningtheNavajolivedinseveralworldsunderthisone.Theywerebeingsnotlikeman,insomeoftheunderworldsnotevenlikeanimals.Buttheyhadconsciousness,evenmoralideals,andbecauseoftheadulteryofoneofthebeingswiththechief'swife,gotintotroubleandwereforcedbyfloodwaterstothenextworldabove.Evenaftertheyreachedthisone,theyenduredalongseriesofwanderingsbeforetheybecamehumans.

Twowomenlivedaloneandexceptforthemtheearthwasinhabitedbymonsters.TheywereChanging-Woman,whoistheEarthMother,andhercompanion,Salt-Woman.Lifewasverydifficultforthem.Theyhadonlywildseedsandfruitsuponwhichtolive.Notonlywerethefoodsscarceandfar-scattered,buttheygrewinplacesinfestedbymonsters.Monster-Evillayinhotsprings;Horned-MonsterlivedataplacecalledBlueLakeandfacedinalldirections,sothatitwasimpossibletoapproachhimwithoutbeingseen.Kicking-Off-Rockswasanogrewholivedbetweentwobluffshisqueuehadgrownintoacreviceintherocks.Whenpeoplewentthroughthenarrowpassbetweentherockshewouldkickthemdowntohischildren,whowaitedbelowtodevourthem.

Throwing-Against-Rockswasamonsterwhowithhis

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wifelayinwaitfortheunwarytoundothembycrushingthemagainsttherocksonwhichtheylived.Therewasabearwhotrackedandkilledallhumans;Eye-Killersstaredpeopletodeath,Walking-Stonefollowedapersonslowly,butinevitablycaughtupwithhimandcuthimup;theNightandDaywereatoddswitheachotherforithadnotbeendecidedhowLightandDarknessshouldbedivided.Therewasacreekasnarrowasaman'sfingerwhichspreadwhenanyonetriedtojumpacrossit,anddrownedhim.Therewasapatchofreedslikeknives,andwhenapersontriedtopassthroughitthebladesallhadathimanddestroyedhim.Thesewereonlyafewofthemajorevilsthatpreventedtheworldfrombeinginhabited.

Changing-Womanlivedinthemidstofthemall,safebutunhappy.Asshegatheredherscantyfood,shethoughtandthoughtaboutwhatshecoulddotoridtheworldofthedreadmonsters.Thethoughtbecameapassionwithher,andshetriedagreatmanythingsbutinvain.Vaguelyshethoughtifshecouldbearachildhemighthavepowertoovercomethedifficultiessothathumanscouldpeopletheearth.Therewerenomen,andsheknewnoneofthefactsofprocreation.Asshewanderedinagonyofspiritandintautnessofbody,sheofferedherselftothedrippingwaterinavainattempttoconceive.

Oneday,asshecontinuedherquestforknowledgeandfulfilment,sheheardaloudnoise.Shelookedupandbeheldayoungmansobrighthereyescouldnotendurethesight.HewastheSun.HetookpityonChanging-Woman,taughthersexintercourse,impregnatedherwithhisholiness.Whentheylaytogethertwochildrenwereconceivedinherwomb,oneofthedrippingwaterandoneoftheSun.

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Infourdaysthechildrenmovedwithinher,infourmoreshewasinlabor.Throughalloftheninthnightshesuffered,hopingtobedelivered.Atdawnblackcloudscoveredthesky.Whenitwaslight,lightningstruckinfourdirectionsandthefirstchildwasborn;somewhatcarelesslyhewasdropped.Becauseofthatheisverydangerous,forhewasborntokillmonstersandisthereforenamedEnemy-Slayer.Thesecondchildwasborneasilywhenitthunderedgently.HeiscalledChild-of-the-Water.Theinfantswerehiddenundersixcovers,darknesswasbelow,aboveitwasbluesky,thencamebluehorizonlight,yelloweveninglight,mirage,andheat.

WhenChanging-Womanwentoutforfood,Bear-ManandRattler-Man,herguardians,fedtheboys.Bear-Manfedthemwithmountainpollenandmountaindew,Rattler-Manwithearthpollenandearthdew.Thesefoodsweresopowerfulthattheymadetheboysweakattimes.Neverthelesstheywalkedinfourdays,infourdaysmoretheyweregrownandTalking-Godcametoinstructthem.HegavethemanarrowwhichwashenceforthtobethesymboloftheShootingChant.

SoonafterTalking-Godhadgiventhearrowtothetwinstheybegantowonderwhotheirfatherwas.Threetimestheyaskedtheirmotherastheylayundertheirsixcoversatnight,threetimesshescoldedthemandtoldthemtosleep.Thefourthtimetheyaskedhershesaid:''Farawayyourfatherlives.Everyimaginabledangerliesbetweenhereandhishome.Sodon'ttalkaboutit.Gotosleep."

Thentheboysrealizedthatthefirstthingtheyneededtogototheirfatherwasasong.Theysoonheardanicesongandthoughttheirmotherwassingingit,butfounditwasreallythecurtainofdarkness.Thenextmorningveryearly

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Talking-Godwokethemandinstructedthemhowtogototheirfather.HedressedEnemy-Slayerinwhite:whitebuckskinshoesheputonhisfeet,whiteleggingsonhislegs,andawhiteshirtonhisbody.HedressedSecond-bornwiththesamegarments,butofvariegatedcolor.Hestrungoutarainbowandmotionedthemtosteponit.Hehadputwhite,black,blue,sparkling,andyellowmedicinesonit,buthedidnottelltheboysofthis.Sometimeaftersunrisetherainbowdroppedtothegroundandtheyoungmenstartedoutafoot.

TheycametothehouseofSpiderWoman,whokilledpeoplewithfourstrongwebs.Second-bornblewblack,white,blue,andyellowflintfromhismouthatthewebs.SpiderWomanthenbecamefrightenedandbeggedthemtodesist.WindsatontheshoulderofChild-of-the-Waterandguidedhim.Heallowedthewomantobeguntilhehadsecuredabowofmountainmahoganywithayellowtail-featheredarrowandhisbrotherabowwithablacktail-featheredarrow.ThustheynotonlyescapedthesnaresetbySpiderWomanandhercompanionMocking-Bird-Woman,butsecuredalifetokenforfutureuse.

WhentheycametotheSpreading-Creektheypretendedtojumpthreetimesanditspreadbutdidnotcapturethem.Measuring-Worm,whohadalongrainbowtheirswasonlyashortonehelpedthemacross,andtheyrewardedhimwithasong.

Theycametomountainswhichclappedtogether,butpassedthroughtheopeningbetweenthembyarrangingthebowsandarrowsSpiderWomanhadgiventhemsoastokeepthemountainsapartuntiltheyweresafeandhadpickeduptheirweapons.

WhentheycametotheKnife-Reedstheyallranupwitha

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sizzlingsound,butFire-Godhelpedthemwhentheyinsistedongoingthrough.Heburnedthereedswithasparkfromhisfiredrill.Afewdidnotburn.Theyareusedtodayasthepaperuponwhichonewrites.Thatmeanstheyareusedforprayersticks,madeholybyaddingpreciousstonesandlayingasideasanoffering;thustheyaremadetocarrymessagestotheHolyOnes.

WindcarriedthemoverSliding-Sand-Dune,whichentrappedmortalsbysliding.Theythencrossedared,aglittering,anabalone,awhiteshell,andaturquoisemountain;thesewereharmless.TheseweretheSun'smountains,andnotfarfromtheblueonestoodtheirfather'shouse.Whentheyarrivedaboutnoonandtriedtoenter,theyfoundfourdoor-keepers,Wind,Thunder,Rattler,andBear;Windblewthemback.TheWindthatsatontheshoulderwhisperedthenamesofthedoorkeepers,andbymentioningthemthetwinsquieteddowntheirownersandwereallowedtopass.

Inthemainroomaverystoutwomansat.ShewasthewifeoftheSun.AstheboyswereexaminingthehousetheSunsuddenlyappeared,andashiswifewasuncertainofhistemper,shehidthem.Neverthelessheknewtheywerethereandquestionedher.Finallysheansweredangrily:"Ithoughtyousaidyoudidnotdoanythingasyougoabout!Buthereyourchildrenhavecome."

Theboys,hearingtheargumentfromtheirhidingplace,tookoutthelifefeathersSpiderWomanhadgiventhem.WhentheSunfoundthemhedraggedthemoutandattackedthemwithfourtrumpetshehadmadeofturquoise,white-shell,abalone,andredstone.Anyoneofthesebyfoldingonitselfcouldhavecrushedthem;butwhenittouchedthelifefeatheritdrewbackleavingthemunharmed.Similarlythe

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lifetokenssavedthemfromthepoisonoftheSphinx-WormwhichtheSuncalledforth.

Henextgavethemafreezingtest,tookawayalltheirclothes,andleftthemtosleeponasmallrockyisland.Beaver-ManandOtter-Manlentthemtheirskins,andtheboysreturnedunharmed.WhentheSunsawthisheorderedasweat-bathforthem.Insteadoftoughstonestobeputintothewatertomakesteamheorderedagatewhichwouldflytopiecesanddestroythosewhowerebathing.Talking-Godcamein,dugalittleholeinthewallandcovereditwithfourlayersofwhiteshell.Whentheboyswentintothesweathousetheyhidinthehole.

AfterthenoisecausedbytheagateexplodingwhentheSunpouredwateronithadsubsided,helookedin,asking,"Areyouwarmedupnow?"Theresattheboys.ThesetestsconvincedtheSunthattheywerereallyhischildren.Thenheinstructedthemaboutthesweathouse:"Wheninfuturethepeoplearrive,donotimitateitbecauseyoudonotkeepitsacred.Ifsomethingevilshouldhappenonaccountofit,whowouldremedyit?"

ForthatreasontheShootingChant,althoughthereissweating,doesnotusethesweathouse.

AfterbeingconvincedthattheheroeswerehischildrentheSunbegantoaskthemwhattheycamefor.

"Well,mychildren,whydidyoucome?Fortheredhorseperhaps?"

"No,thatisnotwhatwecamefor."

"Fortheblackhorsedidyoucome?"

"No,notfortheblackhorse."

"Forthebluehorsethen?"

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"No,notfortheblueone."

"Perhapsthewhitehorse?"

"No,notforthat."

"Thegray?"

"No,notthegray."

"Thespeckledhorsethen?"

"No."

"Thered-manedhorse?"

"No."

"Thespottedhorse?"

"No."

"Thewhite-manedhorse?"

"No,notthateither."

"Well,whatdidyoucomeforthen?"Andheaskedthemaboutthewhite,black,spotted,andredsheep,andthesheepwiththin-bladedhornswhichwastheonehemostcherished.Butitwasnoneofthese.Hethenofferedthemulewhichchangedtomirage,andthenallhispreciousstones,turquoise,whiteshell,redbeads,andabalone.

No,itwasnoneofthem.

"Well,children,whatdidyoucomefor?Isitdarkcloudswithmaleraincountedin,darkmist,femalerain,orthemiragewhichturnsintoagray-belliedburro?"

"No."

"Well,Ihaveenumeratedallthesethingsanditisnoneofthem.Whatthendidyoureallycomefor?"

"Yes,father,allthosethingsarevaluableandhardtocomebywherewelive.Weshouldmuchliketohavethem,buttheyarenotwhatwecamefor.Wecameaboutthesemonsters,theMonster-Evil,Horned-Monster,Kicking-Off-Rocks,Throwing-Against-Rocks,Tracking-Bear,Eye-Killers,and

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theothers.Theyeatupallpeopleandtheycannotflourishonearth,"saidFirst-born.

"Obsidianarmor,shoes,clothes,headdressthesearewhatwehavecomefor,aswellastheflash-lightningarrow,"saidSecond-born.

AtthesewordstheSunwasovercome.Hecouldnotspeak,butbowedhisheadandremainedthusforsometime.Whenhefinallylookedup,thereweretearsinhiseyes.Thenhewipedawaythetears,tookalongbreath,andblewwhu!whu!fourtimes.Thenhespoke."Isupposeitcan'tbehelped.Butthosearemychildrenjustasyouare.Neverthelessletitbedone."

Twosuitsofobsidian,moccasins,leggings,shirt,andhat,werelaiddownforthem.NearthemadarkzigzaglightningarrowforFirst-born,ablueflash-lightningarrowforhisbrother.ThentheSunmadeanagateintotheshapeofamanandplaceditinsidehisson."ThatsongwithwhichyouwerefedisthefoodoftheagatemanIhaveplacedstandingupinsideyou,"hesaid."Themushyouatefromtheeastsideofthebasketstandsinsideyouasthelegsoftheman,thatfromthewestsideishishead,thatfromthenorthhislefthand,thatfromthesouth,hisright.Whatyouatefromthecenteristheheart.WhenIsang,'ThepollenofOld-Age-Travellingheeats,'Imeanthisthoughtwouldbestandinginyou.WhenIsaid,'Thedarkclouditsdew,Old-Age-Travelling,itsdew,'Iwasmakinghisintestines.Notathingismissing,completehestandsupinyou.ThusImadeit."

Hestoodaturquoiseintheshapeofamaninsidehissecondsonandfashioneditcompletely.Thenhepressedpartsofhisownbodytothoseofhissonstokeeptheprotectorsinplace.

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"YouwillconquertheenemieswiththosethingsIplacedinsideyou.ThatiswhyIdidit.Althoughtheflintarmorisgood,thatwhichstandsinsideyouwillconquerthefiercemonsterswhichnowexistandeventhosewhichmaycomeintobeinginthefuture."

Thetwinswerenowinvinciblewithinandwithout,andtheSun,envelopingallthreeinadarkcloud,aidedtheminovercomingtheirfirstenemy.Fromthattimeontheywentabouttheworld,alwaysintoplacesforbiddenbytheirmother,encounteringmonsters.WiththeaidofthepowerstheSungavethem,andtheadviceWind,Big-Fly,andTalking-Godwhisperedintheirears,theyovercamemostofthem.Wheneveranevilwassubdued,theycutoffaportionofitsbodyforatrophytotaketotheirmother.Ifananimalhelpedthem,theyallowedittoselectapartoftheevilforgoodluck.Neverdidtheythemselvesdoaharmwithoutcorrectingit.

TwostreamsofthebloodofMonster-Evilflowedthicklyandswiftlyoverthelandwhenhewascut.BlackWindtoldthem,"Ifthebloodystreamsmeethewillrevive,"whereupontheycrossedtheirclubsbetweenthestreamsandheldthemthereuntilthebloodhardened.ThebloodcoagulatedatthattimeturneddarkandnowformsthevariouslavadikesoftheNavajocountry.

Manymonsterswererenderedinert,otherschangedtheircharacterandbecameusefultoman.ThechildrenoftheEye-Killersweretransformedintotwokindsofcactus,thetipsofthecars,nose,fingersandtoesoftheeldersbecameantelope.Tipsofbodypartsofanotherpairofmonstersbecamedeer.Finallynolargeevilsremained,andtheearthwashabitable.

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However,Enemy-Slayerwentabouttheearthtoseewhatitwaslike,atthesametimelookingforsomethingtodo.AtlasthecametothehouseofGray-Haired-Cactus.Thedwellingwasunattractive,andthepeopleinitweredisgusting.Theylookedlikeskeletons,theyhadsoreeyes,matterstucktotheireyelashes,mucusranfromtheirnoses.Hedeterminedtoslaythesetoo.

"I'llkillyou,"hevowed,asthey,awe-stricken,staredathisarmor."Whatuseareyoutomankind?ManyoftheothersIkilledwerenotasbadasyou,buttheyhadtobedestroyed."

ThesewereHunger,Craving-for-Meat,Poverty,Sleep,Desire,andWant.Sleepsatnearesttothevisitor.Justashewasthinkingofkillingthem,SleepbroughthisfingergentlydownoverthenoseofEnemy-Slayer,mentioninghisname.Whereuponhefelloverandwassoundasleep.Hesnoredandsleptoneventhoughthepeoplespatonhimandsmearedhimwiththeirfilth,thusmakingsportofhim.Whenheawokeandfoundhelookedmorewretchedthanthey,hisangerknewnobounds.HehadgraspedhispowerfulclubandwasjustabouttobringitdownwhenSleepagainmadehimimpotent.

Afterthishadallhappenedfourtimes,Sleepsaidtohim,"Thiswhichyouhadintendedtodo,tokillus,youwon'tdo."AndthisinspiteofthefactthatEnemy-Slayerhadmerelythoughtofkillingthegrayevils,hadneversaidso.Sleepcontinued:"YourmotherknowsSleep.Hasshenevertoldyouaboutit?Youhavekilledthestrongharmfulthings,butyouwillnotkillus.Askyourmotheraboutit."

Enemy-Slayerwasnotmuchpacified,butwenthometohismother,whosaidtohim:"Whatareyoulookingfor?Wherehaveyoubeen?Youhavenowfinishedallyourwork."

Heansweredherindignantly:"Nothingtodo?Why,

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yonderIcameuponsomeuglythingswhosenamesIdonotknow.Theyinsultedmeterribly,butwhenItriedtokillthemtheysaidyouknewallaboutit.EvennowIcouldgobackanddoawaywiththem."

"No,mybaby,theseyousurelymustnotkill.Thoseothersweregreat,youkilledthembecauseyourfatherhelpedyou.Butthesethingsyoushouldnotkillbecausetheymeetmidway.Theyarenotaltogethergoodorentirelybad.Povertyandhungermeetsomewherebetweenthatwhichcausessatisfactionandthatwhichcausespain.Thatiswhytheyshouldbeleft."

AndtheHolyBoysleftthemastheirmotherdecreed.

Althoughtheworldhadbeenremadeandwasusefultoman,theTwinscontinuedtheiradventures,gettingacquaintedwithallpartsoftheuniverseandbringingbackwiththemfromeachvisitsomeessentialgiftfortheShootingChant.

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XXIIISun'sHouseThefirstdayofMarie'ssingisaconcentratedsampleofthefourdaysweputincleansingourselvesandpreparingsacrificesforthevariousgods.Thenextthreedaysaresimilarexceptforminorvariationsandintensity.Theearlymorningpaintingschangealittle.Hornedsnakesarepaintedonthefirstmorning;onthesecondtherearestraightandzigzagarrows;onthenext,sidewinders,andonthefourth,arrowsagain.ThecloudofthefirstdayisblackwithSkyPeople,ofthesecond,bluewithWaterPeople,ofthethird,yellowwithSunPeople,andofthelast,pinkwithSummerPeople.Theonlyapparentchangeisinthecolor;thedesignisexactlythesameforthefourdays.Theseconddaythefireisnotashotasonthefirst,theemesisnotsoviolent,ornearlysolongdrawnout.Theseeventsofthethirddayareagainconscientiouslydone,buteventhennotasstrenuousasonthefirst.

Onthesecondnightthekittyquietlyfollowedtheguestsintothehogan.Curley's-Sonsawit,wenttothewaterbucket,filledapanwithwaterandunobtrusivelyenticeditoutpastthedoorcurtain.DanandBendidnotevenseehimdoit.Whenhereturned,thecatremainedoutside.

BytheendofthefourthdayinvitationshavebeenofferedtoWind,Water-Monster,Water-Horse,Summer,BlackSky,

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Earth,Sun,Moon,PollenBoy,andCornflyGirl,besidestotheHorned-Rattlers;allbeingswhoassistedthefirstlegendaryheroes,theHolyTwins,towhosesufferingsweowetheShootingChant,andwhoforthatreasonwillassistus.WhenIcamethisyear,IbroughtRed-Pointaflaskofwaterfrom''theeasternocean."Heusesitforpaintingtheprayersticksofthesecondday.Ithasnotbeensecuredwiththeproperceremony,butperhapsit"willbringrain.Wearetryingit."

Duringtheintervalsbetweentheceremonialactsofeachdaythemenareworking.ToMarieandNinabatheyseembriefindeed,fortheyseizeuponthesemomentsfornaps.Tome,thoughIamnotweaving,thehoursseemlikeminutes.IammullingoverthemythoftheShootingChant,finding,inthenarrativeoftheadventuresofthetwosonsoftheSun,explanationsandunderstandingaswellastheunityofalltheostensiblyunconnectedsmallactsofeachperformance.Buttothemenwhoareworking,timehasceasedtoexist.Theyhaveagreatdealtodo,andonlyashorttimeinwhichtodoit.

Red-Pointhasdeterminedtomakethissingascompleteashepossiblycan.SohehaschosenanelaborateformofitcalledtheChant-of-the-Sun's-House.Hehassentoutannouncementsoftheevent,andeachdayafewofhisfriendshavecome;butthehandsarefewcomparedwiththeworktobedone.DuringthetimeheworkedasamissionaryJohndidnotparticipateactivelyinsings.Ifhewenttoonehedidsobecause"hehadtoseesomeoneonbusiness."Buthecomestooursonthesecondday,andbecauseRed-Pointisshorthanded,butmorebecausehishandsitch,asdomine,toworkwiththeattractivesticksandpaints,hebegstobeallowedtohelp.TheChanterispleasedtolethimtry.

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AllthemenincludingJohnworktirelessly,although,asistheNavajocustom,withouthaste.Thereareendlessdetailstobeattendedto.Achantofthissortrequiresanunlimitedsupplyofwaterandwood,tomentiononlytwomundaneneeds.ThelargesttaskonhandistherepaintingoftheSun's-HousewhichisthesymbolofsupernaturalpowerfortheChant.Itisaboothnotmorethaneighteeninchesdeepoverthefrontofwhichhangsacurtainofstickslikeaportière.Thisisaboutfivefeetwidebythreehigh.Red-PointhasnotsungtheChant-of-the-Sun's-Houseforeightyears,andthecurtainmustbepaintedanew.ThepatternisexactlythesameasthecentralpartoftheSun's-Housesand-paintingwhichAtlnabasocarefullywoveintoatapestrylastyear.Widestripesofwhite,black,green,andyellowoccupymostofthespace.Withtheyellowstripeasbackgroundfourdeities,Sun,Moon,BlackWind,andYellowWind,formhousesforthefourdifferentkindsofsnakes.Aroundeachisarainbow,blue(Red-Pointusesgreen)outside,redinside.Encirclingthreesidesofthewholeisanotherrainbowofthesamesort,nodetailofwhichisomitted.

NowifIwerepaintingthiscurtainfromAtlnaba'srugorRed-Point'scopyinwatercolors,itwouldnotbesomuchwork.Ishouldpaintastickallwhiteandlayithorizontallyforthetop,twoorthreegreenandlaythemparallelwiththefirstandsoon.Thelastfewwhichcomposethesnakes'houseswouldbetheonlytediousones.ButtheChanterandhisassistantscannotdoitthisway.Thesticksmusthangvertically.Thismeansthateverypiecelessthanhalfaninchindiametermustrepresentacross-sectionofthewhole.Thedesignsmustbeappliedinmosaicfashion.Asaweavermustcarryinhermindherentirepatternandatthesametime

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divideitintoaninfinitenumberofsingle-strandstripes,somustthepaintersoftheSun's-House.Each"strand"oftheirpaintingisonestickwide.

AftertwodaysofintermittentworkatthisJohncomestomyhousejustbeforesundowntopreferarequest."Youlooktired,"IsayasIofferhimasmoke."Iam,"herepliessmiling."It'slotsofwork."

"Ineverrealizedhowmuchworkasingis,"Isay."IsimplycannotunderstandhowRed-Pointdoesit.Hesuperintendseverythingbyday;heneverlosessightofathing,andeverythingnecessaryisreadyatthepropermoment.Hehardlysleepsatnight.LastnightitwaselevenbeforethesingwasoverandthismorningIheardhimsingingatfour-thirty."

"Yes,"continuesJohn."Ijustcameupforalittlevisityesterdaymorning.Ididnotintendtostaythislong.Buttheyneedhelp,andIofferedtotrymyhandatthepainting."

"Didyoueverhelpbefore?"

"Never."

"Itlookslikeanicethingtodo."

"Itis,"Johnreplies."TheoldmansaidIdidbetterthansomeoftheotherswhohaddoneitbefore."

Apauseensues,brokenfinallybyJohn."Oneoftheboyshasbeenhuntinghishorsealldayandhasnotfoundit.Theyneedsomemedicinefortomorrownightandnowthereishardlytimeforhimtogetitevenifhecouldcatchhishorse."

"Wheredoeshehavetogoforit?"Iinquire.

"ThenearestisCrystal."

"Why,thatissixtymiles!"Iexclaim.

"Yes.Theoldmanisprettydisappointedbecausehe

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wantedthisdonesocomplete.Isuggestedthatmaybeyouwouldbewillingtogoforit.IsaidIwouldbegladtodoit,butIdonotknowhowtocutthemedicineproperlynordoIknowtheprayers."

"ItoldhimatthebeginningthatIshouldbegladtodoanythingofthatsortIcould,"Iprotest."Iknewheneededthisdistantmedicinefresh,butIdidn'tknowwhen."

"Theroadsaredryandhardnow.Ithinkifwestartaboutsunrisetomorrowwecouldgetitintime.Hesaidoneoftheboyswouldgowithus.Isaidmaybeyouwouldn'tmindgettingupsoearly."

"Allright,"Iagree,"butIthinkIbettergetgastonight.Ihaven'tenough,andnotraderwillbeupthatearly."

"Iwilltakemyhorsehomeandcomebackwithyou.Iamkindofworriedaboutmyhorses.Ilefttheminthecorralwithoutanyhay.Andnobodyishome.Iwillletthemoutandlookaroundtheplace."

IdrivetoGanado,getgasandsupplies,andvisitmyfriendsforseveralhours.IamsorrytomissapartoftheceremonybutamgladthepartIhavetomissisnotnew,merelyarepetitionofwhathasgonebefore.AboutnineIpickupJohnandwearriveatRed-Point'shoganasthemenareeating,preparatorytotheeveningsing.AdiscussionisunderwayasTomsitshattedandkerchiefedasifheweregoingsomewhere.JustbeforewearrivedthemanIcallthe"Man-with-the-Voice-Wrapped-Up-in-Cotton-Batting"hadinquiredwherehewasgoing.Heanswered,"TothesoutheasttogetDouglasfir."

Aswecomein,someonesuggests:"ButitisjustasfarthatwayastoCrystal.BothkindsgrowatCrystal.Whydon'tyougetitallononetrip?"

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Johnnowtakescommand."Whendoyouhavetohaveit?"

"Atnoontomorrow."

Johnquietlyandpersuasivelyaddresseshimselftome."Gladys,wouldyoumindstartingtonight?Wecouldthrowyourbedinthecarandgoasfarasweget,thencamp,andinthemorningcutourmedicines.Ifwehavegoodluckwecouldbebackbynoon,whentheyneedthisDouglasfir.Theroadsaregoodnow,andthereisnosignofrain."

"Sure,Icanbereadyinfiveminutes.I'llbedowntoeatbeforewestart.Iwillpickyouup,andyoucanloadthecaronthewayout."

Soagreeing,Irepairtomyhousetoassemblemycampkitandstrapmyblanketroll.IjoinJohnandTomatthecookingshadeinafewminutes,andafteraheartymealweareoff.Neverhastheroadbeenbetter,andIalmostprayJonathanwillnotdoanythingtodelayus.Herunslikeacharm,andwefindourselvesnearourdestinationalittleaftermidnight.InthedarknessJohnandTomhavemissedthedimtrackswhichleadtothePasswherethetreesweseekgrow,andJohnsuggestswecamphereuntildaylight.Wedoso,tofindourselveseatenupbymosquitoes.JohnandTomaresowearythateventhemillionsofthesepestsdonotseriouslyannoytheirslumbers.ForonceinmylifeIanticipatethedawn;moreeagerlythanRed-PointIdiscernitsfirstpalegleam.OutofpityfortheguidesIlingerabitovermyabbreviatedablutionsandfixingmybedfortravelling.Butthesebeastsareunendurable;besideswehaveworktodo,soIcalltheboys.Ipersistloudlybeforetheyrememberwheretheyareandwhy.Themosquitoessoonbringbackconsciousness.

Inthecoolofearlydawnwedriveafewmilestoaroad

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Ihadtravelledoncebefore.Itwindsthroughgreenpastureswateredbyaclear,fresh-runningbrook.Asweascendthesteepslopeofthemountain,themeadowsnarrow,andtheroadisborderedonbothsidesbydenserowsoftallfirsandspruces.Thereisnoundergrowth,andthelonglusciousgrassisdottedherewithablueflower,therewithayellow,andfartheronwithabrightdashofscarlet.Wecrossthestreamandarriveatourdestination,aflatontheedgeofaravine.Giganticpinesgrowontheflat;westoptocampnearaDouglasfirwhichisatleasteightyfeethigh.AsJohnlightsafireandcollectswithlittleeffortthefueltoenlargeit,Irememberthatupontheoccasionofmypreviousvisitduringwhichithadrainedcontinuously,Ihadregisteredthisasoneofmypatternsforparadise.

ThemenareofftocutthebranchesoftheDouglasfirandColoradobluespruce,bothofwhichgrowacrosstheravine.AsIammakingthecoffee,Idecidetobedecentenoughtowaitpolitelyuntiltheboyscomeback.Withintheshorttimeittakesittoboilmydecencyevaporates.Idonotknowhowlongtheywillbegone,Iarguetomyself.Itakeacupofcoffeeandacinnamonroll,anothercupandanotherroll.Iamverysleepy.Therearenomosquitoeshere,themorningiseventooyoungforflies.Ihavesleptsoundlyforanhourandahalfwhentheboysreturnandwehavearegularbreakfast.

Westartbackwithalargegunnysackofthefirbranches.Tomhadcutseveralpiecesofbluespruceverycarefullysothateachformedacrosswithtwoarms;tothebuttendhehadtiedaknotoftheblueclothinwhichhecarriesthem.Duringthetriphomehetakescarealwaysthatthesprucebranchesneverleavethecloth;whenwearemovingthe

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bundlelieslightlyonhislap,whenwestophelaysittenderlyontheseat.

"Howdidyoucutthemedicine?"IaskJohnaswedrivealong.

"Red-PointgaveTomaflintknifefromhisbundleandalittlesackofpollen.Hetoldhimtheprayertosayashecutabranchandsprinkleditwithpollen.YouknowTomhasbeenlearningfromRed-Point."

AfewmileswestofFortDefiancewestoponcemoreforsomesticksofwildrose,whichcompletethelistofmedicinesforwhichweweresent.Jonathanbuzzesalonginadeterminedandbusinesslikemanner,andat11:35weentertheceremonialhogantothecongratulationsofthemenmakingtheprayersticksthere.

Onthenightwhichbeginsthefifthdaytheperformancediffersonlyslightlyfromthepreviousfour.TheSun's-Houseisfinishedandstandsatthebackofthehogan,aprotectionandablessingtoit.Thetopandsidesofthebootharecoveredthicklywiththegreenfirbranches,throughtheholesoftheSun,MoonandWindhouseswoodensnakesmovebackandforth.Abovethecurtainfourcarvingsofcloudsstickup.InAtlnaba'sweavingbirdsstoodontheseclouds.Herebyinvisiblemeansabluebird,abluejay,ablackbird,awildcanary,andayellowwarbler,veryrealistic,flyaboutabovetheboothastheysingclearlyandsweetly.Fromnowonthispantomimeaccompanieseachperformance.OftenCurley's-Sonisstrangelyabsent.

Old-Mexican's-Sonsleepsinthehoganthisnight.ThenextmorningasIdrivehimhomehereports,"YouknowthereissomethingtothatSun's-House.Aboutthree-thirtyIgot

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awakeandfeltsomethinglikeapresence.ItoldRed-Point,andhesaid,'That'sright,noonecansleepwiththeSun's-Housepresent.'VeryearlyhewokeupMarieandNinabaandplacedtheminfrontofit.Asthepollencarriedaprayer,thebirdssang,andtheysoundedjustlikebluebirds,too.ThenRed-Pointmadethemgooutsideandfacingtherisingsun;theysetupthethingsfromhisbundlewhichwillguardthehousefromevilwhiletheyaremakingthesand-paintingoftheday.Ashestuckeachobjectinthesandpile,hechantedalongprayer.YouknowthereissomethingintheseNavajoprayersthatgetsme.That'swhyIliketogotosings."

"Itwastheprayerwhichwokeme,"Iagree."Icouldn'thearthewordsbutitisthesettingwhichisholy.ThenightthesheepwerestruckbylightningIwokeaboutmidnightandheardRed-Pointprayingdownnearthesheepcorral.Thepartsofthesingthewhitepeopleneverseearethemostimpressive.Thelightingoftheprayersticksandtheseprayersinsolitudecarrytheanswertothepowerofthechant.EvenIwhodonotbelievecanunderstandhowtheseactscanreallycurethesepeoplebecausetheybelievesoimplicitly."

AswerideoninsilenceImuse,"ItcouldnotbeotherwisewhenfrombabyhoodaNavajohasheard:

"Thecurtainofdaybreakishanging.DaylightBoy,itishanging.Fromthelandofdayitishanging.Beforehimasitdawns,itishanging.Behindhimasitdawns,itishanging.Beforehiminbeauty,itishanging.Behindhiminbeauty,itishanging.Fromhisvoiceinbeauty,itishanging.

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"Insolitude:

"Holy-Young-Mansoughtthegodsandfoundthem.Onthehighmountainpeakshesoughtthegodsandfoundthem.Trulywithmysacrificehesoughtthegodsandfoundthem.Somebodydoubtsit,soIhaveheard.

"Idonotdoubtit."

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XXIVTheGodsAcceptIknowthattodaythefirstsand-paintingistobemade,soIstayatGanadoonlylongenoughtoeatbreakfast.BecauseRed-Pointhadsaidthathewasgoingtoletme"seeeverything,"andthathewasgoingto"tellmeabouteverything,"IsupposeIamtobeallowedinthehoganwhilethemenarelayingthesand-painting.Iwantespeciallytoseeitwhileitisbeingmade.Iknowthetechniquebutnevertireofwatchingthosewhostrewthesand.Furthermore,thecompletebeautyofasand-paintingisobscuredbythelasttouchesputuponit,forafterallthesmallestsymbolicandartisticdetailshavebeenattendedto,oneofthehelpersfillsinallthebackgroundspacewithwavyblacklinesofsand.Thefirstactrequiredofthepatientswhentheycomeinwiththe"otherwomen"whoarepartoftheaudienceistosprinklewhitecornmealovereachfigureofthepaintingandaroundaccordingtotheChanter'sinstructions.Nopatientisskilfulaboutthis,norneedhebe,andtheaudience,inthebrieftimeatitsdisposal,seesthepaintingcoveredwithblackandwhitesmudgesunevenlyapplied.ForthisreasonIhopetoseethepaintingsmade,soastogetaclearerideaoftheirpatterns.

Beforethemenstartonit,however,TominformsmethatImaynotcome."Yousee,womenneverseethepainting,"heexplains."Thatisthereason."

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MarieandIbothhaveplentyofleisurethisday.Thesunwasscarceupwhenthedawnprayerwasover,andsheandNinabahavenothingtodobutwaituntiltheyarecalledforthepainting.Thepaintingsofallfourdaysaretobelargeones;sothemenbeginaboutnineo'clock,andtheywillnotbefinisheduntilnearlysunset.

Red-Pointstartsthementowork,andaboutten-thirtyheandMariecometoseeme.''TellherIpromisedtoletherseeeverything,"heinstructsMarie,"butweneverhaveevenourownwomeninthehoganwhenthepaintingisbeinglaid."

"Whyisthat?"Iask,thinkingthatitistoprotectthe"powers"fromthecontaminationofthefemalesex.

"Wehavealwaysbeentaughtthatway.Itisinthestory.Soyoumustnotfeelsorrybecauseyoucannotcomein."

"Someofthesemenwhoareheretohelpsaidheoughtn'ttoallowawhitewomaninoursing,"Marieexplains."Butmyfathersaysyouarehischildandhewouldnotrefusetohavehisownchild.Besides,hesayshisteachertoldhimifoutsiderswanttobesungover,heshoulddoit.OncetherewasaHopiwhoaskedhimtosing,andhedid;thentherewasawhitemanatChinlee;andofcoursehealwayssingsforOld-Mexican's-Sonwhenhewantshim."

IassurethemIamnotoffended,andashefinishesoffhiscigaretteRed-Pointdeclares,"AndIwillsingoveryousometimetoo,lettheNavajosaywhattheywill!"Sosaying,hejumpsup."Well,Imustgobackandwatchthoseboys!"Andheleapsupthetwohighstepsofmyhouse.

IanswerhischallengeasMariestays,"Well,Ishouldnotmindifnowhiteswouldcome."

"JustlikeNinaba,"smilesMarie."Shesaysshedon'tlike

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tohavewhitepeoplethere,justWeaving-Womanisallright.Butthat'sall."

Ireturntothesubjectofwomenwitnessingthesand-painting,andMarieexplainsmorefully,"Womenneverseethemenworkingatit.Onlyiftheyhavehadasand-paintingmadeforthemlikemymother,Atlnaba,andBenWilson'sWife,thentheycangoinanytime.AfterthisNinabaandIcangoinwhentheyaremakingtheoneswehavehad.Youseetheywillalwaysbeoursafterthat."

"Ifyourfatherwouldsingoverme,wouldthefourpaintingsbemine?"Iask.

"Yes,"respondsMarie,assheseesIunderstand.

"Doyouknowwhichpaintingtheyaremaking?"

"No,thepatientisnotsupposedtoknowituntilshegoesinwhenitisfinished."

"Howdoesyourfatherknowwhichonetouse?"

"Youknowhehasforty-seven.Somearelargeandothersaresmall.Ifthepeoplepaythesingerlotstheycanhavethebigones.Theycanchoosewhichtheywant.Myfatherismakingthelargestforthissing.HeaskedmewhichIwanted.ButItoldhimtomakeanyonesheandTomandTom'sbrotherwant."

"Didyoueverseethedoublepainting?"Iask."Iwishtheywouldmakethatone."

"No,neverinsand.Buttheysaidtheyweregoingtousethatonebecausethehouseisbigenough.ButIdon'tknowifitwillbetoday."

"Wehadanawfulnicetriptheothernight,"Isay,changingthesubject."Iwishyourfatherwouldgoonatripwithmeformedicine

sometime."

"Hewouldliketo,"shesays."Hesaidhewishedhecould

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havegonealongthattime.Youknowallofthemedicinemustbecollectedinaspecialway.Ifitisn'tdonethatway,itisnotsogood.NowthatwateryoubroughtfromtheHudson.Itwouldbebetter,ifmyfatherhadgotit.Buthesaidwe'lltryitanyway."

"Iknow,"Ireply."ThatiswhyI'dliketohavehimalong.Besides,heknowswhereeverythinggrowsandwhatitisgoodfor."

"IguessI'llgoandtrytosleepalittle."AndMariedeparts.

Thedayisaquietone.Iengageinmyordinarypursuitsalwayswithaneyetotheceremonialhogan.Shortlyafternoonthereisabustleofexcitementbeforethedoor.Intheircustomaryinquisitivemannerthegoatshavecomeovertonoseintothesacredobjects,twenty-twoofthemfromRed-Point'sbundle,whichwerepainstakinglyarrangedinandonapileofcleansandbeforethehouse.Thismakesanaltarand,asOld-Mexican's-Sonexplained,protectsthehouseandallinitduringthetimethesacredsandisbeingused.Whenthepaintingisfinished,theobjectswillbetakeninandplacedinorderonandnearit.WhenIseethementakethemin,Iknowweshallsoonbecalled.

Thegoatsdolittleharmbeforetheyarediscoveredbytheever-vigilantRed-Point."Chasethemoff,"hecallstoRuby.TomandCurley's-Sonleapfromtheirwork,andasRubydrivesofftheherd,theybringalargecratefromwhichtheyremovethebottom.Thistheyplaceoverthealtar,takingcarenottoallowevenadownfeatherofaprayersticktotouchthewood.Fromthistimeonthecratewillprotectthealtarwhichguardsthehousefrominvisibledangers.

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TheJulydaysarelonganditisnotuntilaftersixthatwearecalled.Ienterthehoganjustafterthepatientshavesprinkledthecornmealoverthepainting,whichhappenstobethedoubleone.Bythatismeantthattherearereallytwopaintingsinone.

"Inthestory,"atadistantperiodwhentheHolyTwinsweregoingabouttheearthmakingthingslivableforman,theThunderslaiddownthispaintingonthetopofBlackMountaininordertosanctifythemselves.Thentheybethoughtthemselvesandsaid:"EarthPeopleoughttoknowthis.Letsomeonegodownandgetoneofthem."

SoMountain-SheepwasstationedatacertainpointandontheoppositesideataplacecalledHot-Springsacornstalkwithtwelveearswassetup.JustthenFirst-born,themorepowerfulofthetwins,cameup.HehadbeenforbiddentocometotheplacewheretheMountain-Sheepstoodandhisbrother,Child-of-the-Water,hadbeenwarnedagainstthePlace-of-the-Large-Cornstalk.AshecameuptotheMountain-Sheep,First-bornthought,"Ha!Thisisthereasontheydidn'twantmetocomehere."Sohekilledtheanimal.JustashedrewitasidetothebaseofaDouglasfirthinkingtoskinit,lightningstruckandhewaspickedupbyit.

Shortlyafterabearcamealong.Whenhesawwhathadhappened,hesaid,"Althoughitmaylookbad,nevertheless,mydaughter'ssonwillreturnwithoutharm."Thenwhilesingingsongs,herubbedhisbackagainsttheaspen,redwillow,fir,andchokecherrytreessuccessively.Allthesemedicinesareusedforthecircleprayersticksonthevariousdayswhentheemeticisadministered.BecauseofthisandbecauseBig-FlyandOtterwerewithhim,First-bornwassaved.

AtthesametimeallthiswashappeningtoFirst-bornhis

North

South

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brotherwasonhiswaytoHot-Springswherehesawthegreatcornstalk.Hebrokeoffthefifthearbutashedidso,hewasswallowedbyamonsterfish.However,healwayscarriedanarrow-pointinhisrighthandandwiththiswasabletocutthefishopen.Fivearrow-pointsabouthisneckhelpedtosavehim.Withthefivemedicineshealwaysheldinhislefthandhehealedthesideofthefish,afterhehadcutitopen.

Thepaintingcalled"Opposite-each-other"commemoratesthisexpeditionoftheHolyBoys.TheblackmountainatthewestofthepicturerepresentsButte-Reaching-to-the-Sky.Itstandsaboutfifteenincheshigh,madelikepotteryofkneadedclay.

"Afterithasbeenmade,theplacewhereitistostandislevelledoff.Acrossismadeofpollen,andsomeissprinkledoverit.Thenasmallportionofcharcoalmadefromburntherbsissprinkledonittorepresentdarkness.Whitesandsprinkledoverthisrepresentsthedawn;bluesand,bluesky;andyellowsand,yelloweveninglight.Ontheflattoppartitisallyellowtorepresentpollen,andbesidethisyellowisasmallblackcircle,andacrossthisaredcross.Thisrepresentsthefireinside.

"Allaroundthebaseisblack,andfourencirclinglinesaremadearoundit,white,yellow,blue,andred,makingfourlinesaroundablackcenter.Aroundthisstandingbuttefoursmallbowlsofwaterareset,allbeingwithintheblackcircle.Aroundtherimofthebowlsarefourlines,thewhiterepresentingwaterfoam;theyellow,pollen;bluewithred,therainbow.Inthebowlsonthewatertherearefourrainbowsinthefourdirections,theinnerred,theouter,blue.Thenmosswhichisfoundundersagebrushisputaroundtheedgeofthesewaterbowls.Theyareshownasbeingonthemountaininthepainting.

"Aroundtheblackcenterofthebaseofthebuttetherearefour

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rainbowsineachdirection,innerblue,outerred.1Fouropenspacesareleftattheendsoftheserainbows.Ontopoftherainbowintheeastfourwhiteducksaremadewiththeirheadsturnedasiftheyweremovingsouth.Onthesunrafttothewestarefouryellowoneswithheadspointingnorth.Inthesouththeyarebluewithheadswest;inthenorth,blackwithheadseast.Soalltheheadsfacethesameway,thatis,sunwise.Abovetheheadoftheeasternduckasguardiantowardthenorthawolfliesinwhite,andtowardthesouthablackbearismade;thenosesoftheseanimalsfaceeachotherwithaspaceoffivefingersbetween,theirfrontstothewest.

"Inthespacebetween,inlinewiththeheadandfacingwest,yellowthunderlies.Thisfinishesallinthewestpartoftheroom.

"InthenorththefigureofFirst-bornislaidfirstasthecenterfigure.Eastofhimliesblackthunderwithitsheadtowardhim.Fromthetipofitswingalinerunsintohishands.AtthesouthofFirst-bornliestheotter.Ontheothersidethehorseflyliesonhisback.Facinghimatthewestthebluethunderbirdlies,atthesouthayellowone,atthenorthapinkone;alltheseliewithheadstowardFirst-born.

"Fromthetipofthebluethunderbirdatthewestalineofstraightlightningrunstothesoleofeachfoot.Fromthewestwingoftheyellowthunderbirdofthesouthasun-raylinerunsintothesoleofhisfoot.Fromitseastwingonerunsintothetipofhishand.Fromthewestwing-tipofthepinkbirdatthenorthastretchedrainbowrunstothesoleofhisfoot,fromitscastwing-tiponeleadstohishand.

"Fromthespacebetweentherainbowsaroundthebutteatthewestplantsrunout,beantowardthesouth,squashtowardthewest,tobaccotowardthenorth.InthespacetowardthecastcornrootsaresprinkledandmakeaturntowhereSecond-bornwillbeplaced,exactlyinalinewithhim.Thecornstalkismadewithanearoneachside.

"AfterthecornisfinishedSecond-bornislaiddown,hisheadinlinewiththatofFirst-born,theirfeetsteppinginlinewitheach

1Thedifferencebetweenthepicturehereportrayedandtheonemadefor

Marieisexplainedonp.155.

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other.Inhisrighthandheholdsablackflintwithashaftofzigzaglightning.Aroundhisneckfivepointsonasun-rayshaftarewound,thelowestonenexthisbodyisblackflint,thenextiswhite,thenblue,yellow,andfinallypink,allwhite-bordered.

"Inhisleftheholdsfivemedicines,theonenearesthimbeingblack,thenwhite,blue,yellow,andfinallypinkbeingeast.Abovehisheadfacinghimliestheblackfish,1belowhisfeettheyellowone,atthesouth,theblueone,atthenorth,thewhiteone.Allhavetheirheadstowardhim.Fromthemouthoftheblackoneintheeastrunsazigzaglightning.Thelinesformingitseparateandrununderthearmpitsofthefigure.Thisistheonethatswallowedhim.

"Theoneatthewesthasastraightlightningcurvingoutfromthemouth,andreturningtoit.Inthesouthasun-rayisarrangedthesamewayandinthenortharainbow.Amountainentirelyblackwithawhitelinearounditsbaseisplacedevenwiththedoortowardthenorth.Notfarfromthecentertowardthewestisacupofwater,andontopoftherangeisanothercup.Onthetopofthemountainonthenorthsideofthecupliesabluemountainsheep,withheadtowardeastandfacingsouth.ApieceofDouglasfirandoneofbluesprucecutneatlyforthepurposeareplacedontopofthemountainrangeatthesouth.Thenthatisfinished.

"OnthesouthsideinlinewiththetipofthecornstalkMt.Taylorisplaced.Itisabouttheshapeandsizeofananthill.Onthewestsideofitacupofwaterisplaced.Fromtheeastablackquarter;fromwest,yellow;fromthesouth,blue;fromthenorth,white;sofourlinescomingfromthefourdirectionsmeetatthetop.Allthecupsofwateraremadealike.

"NowaroundFirst-bornandtheThunderPeoplealoneazigzaglightningisusedforanencirclingline,buttherainbowistheencirclingborderofthewholesand-painting,itsskirtissouth,headnorth.Thatfinishesit."2

Becausethesand-paintingisdouble,therearetwochorusestoday,oneonthenorth,oneonthesouthsideofthehogan.

1InRed-Point'spicturetheblackandwhitefishwereinterchanged.

2LiteraltranslationfromthemythoftheShootingChant.

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Theysingalternatelyandinunison,Red-Pointgivingthemthecuefortheorderofsongs.TheleaderofoneknowstheShootingChanttoo,butoccasionallyhestartsthewrongsetofsongsandRed-Pointcorrectshim.WhileMarieandNinabaremovetheirmoccasinsandshirts,Red-Pointsprinklesliquidoverthepaintingwithamedicinesprinkler.

HebidsMariesitonthebodyofFirst-bornandNinabaonthatofChild-of-the-Water,withtheirfeetextendedtotheeast.Asthesongsproceed,andsuitingeachacttoaparticularwordinthesong,Red-Pointwetshishandswithwaterfromoneofthemedicinecups,appliesthemdamptothefeetofcertaingodsinthepainting,thatmeansnotonlyFirst-born,Child-of-the-WaterandtheThunders,butalsoBig-FlyandOtter,thefish,thecornstalk,thelightnings,theRainbowencirclingborder,andallotherfigures,forthesearealldeitieswhohaveacceptedtheinvitations.Aftertouchingthesepointsofthepainting,Red-Pointpresseshishandstothefeetofthepatients.

Onanotherroundofthesamesorthecommunicatesthepowerofthehandsofthedeitiestothoseofthepatients,thenthatoftheheartandhead.Thereisanunusuallylargenumberofsongsforthispainting,andthepatientssitforsomeminutesduringwhichnothingbutthesingingoccurs.Altogethertheperformancetakesnotmorethanhalfanhour.Thefinalincenseisburned,andRed-Pointordersthepatientsout.Wewomenfollow,Atlnabacarryingtheclothesofthepatients.Asweholdtheirthingswhiletheydress,thehelpersrunouttothefourdirections,wheretheyhastilydepositthesandwhichhadcomposedthepainting.

TheelementsoftheChant,purification,offeringsforin-

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vitation,thedrawing-inofsupernaturalpowers,theapplicationofthembeingpresent,andtheircarefuldisposal,allofthesehaveappearedagainandagain.Ontheeighthmorningthepatientsundergoanothertypeofpurification,theshampooandbath.Abasketstandsinthewestpartofthehouseonanicelyshapedmoundofcoarsesand.Betweenitandthesandarefreshsprigsoffivemedicines.Inthebasketliesacylindricallycutpieceofsoapweedrootsoakinginasmallamountofwater.Singingthewhile,Red-Pointpreparesthesacredbath.Herollsthesoaprootbetweenhishandsforsometime.Thewaterbecomesevermorefoamyashesingsandrubs.Headdsmorewaterfromthebucket,untilthefoamrisescomfortablyabovetherimofthebasketlikeafluffymeringueonapie.

Henowmakestheceremonialcrossesofthefourpollens,black,white,blue,yellow,oneontopofanother,onthefoamandsprinkleseacharoundit.Whenhereachesthepropersong,MarieandNinaba,havinglefttheirclothesonablanket,kneelbeforethebasketandwithRed-Point'shelpwashtheirhair.Hepourstherinsingwateroverandbidsthemwashcarefullytheirbeads,braceletsandhairstrings.Theherdboyfetchesandcarriestoday,forMariaAntoniahaschargeofthebath.Red-Pointretirestohissheepskin,asfouroldwomenandAtlnaba,ledbyMariaAntonia,standholdingblanketsinoutstretchedarmstoformasemicircularscreenaroundthepatientswhiletheyvigorouslyapplythesudsywatertotheirentirebodies.Theystandonthesand,feetonparticularmedicines,astheydothis.Theoldwomenbidthemhurry,andassoonaseverydropfromthebaskethasbeenapplied,rinsethemwithdippersoffreshwaterfromthebucket.Thepatientscatchitincuppedhandsandwashtheirfaces.Hastily

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MariaAntoniahandseachaskirttobeslippedovertheoriginalone,whichisprecipitatelyunfastened,letdown,andremoved.

Thewomentakedownthescreenandthebedraggledpatientsstandforamomentwhilethewetsandandmedicinesaresweptfromsightandreplacedbyadryblanket.MariaAntonianowappliescornmealtotheirbackswhiletheyrubarms,legs,andchestwithit.Red-Pointdrawsagenerousamountundertheirchins,ontheircheeks,andoverthetopoftheirheads.Theythenusealltherestinthebaskettostrewovershirts,moccasins,andespeciallyjewelrybeforetheydress.Thebathisover.ThecornmealisthesubstituteforaTurkishtowel;itstayswiththebathersomewhatlonger.

ThereisarumorthatthepictureofthelastdayistobetheEarth-Skyone.IamdisappointedbecauseIlikeitleastofanyIhaveeverseenreproduced.Atthreeo'clockwhenitisfinished,Iamsurprisedatitsbeautyasitlies''strungout"inthemostgracefulproportionsonthefloorofthehogan,whichaffordsitamplespace.Ihaveseenthepatternwovenintoblanketshideous,Iconsiderthem.Ialwaysthoughtitwasbecausebadcolorswereusedandbecausetherewassuchalargespaceofsolidcolor,bluefortheearth,blackforthesky.IfindnowIwasrightaboutthecolorbutnotaboutitsextent.Thecopiesarebadprimarilybecauseofthecrudeproportions,shortandawkwardlywide.Hereareelongatedfigures,sogracefulastohavelittleincommonwiththeperversionsIhaveseen.Thelargeexpanseofcoloraddstotheeffect,foritconsistsofblackandtheinimitableshadeofblue,anaturalcolorwhichisthedespairofallcopyists,and

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whichthedimshadedlightofthehoganbringsouttoperfection.

Itiswellthepictureisdoneearlytoday,fortheriteincludesnotonlymostoftheactswhichwereperformedpreviouslybutseveralnewones,andthesearetedious.Oneisthebodypainting.Aswewatch,andasthechorussings,Red-PointcarefullypaintsNinaba,andoneofhisfriendspaintsMarie.Abluespotatthemiddleofthechestisthesun,awhiteatthecenteroftheback,themoon.Black,white,blue,andyellowstripesrunningovertheshouldersandunderthearmsconnectthetwo.Theblackrepresentzigzaglightning;thewhite,straightlightning;theblue,sun-ray;andtheyellow,therainbow.Thereisacloudfigureoneachfore-andeachupper-arm;thetwoareconnectedbystripesofthesamecolorsasthoseontheshoulders.

Similarlythepainterplacesfourstripesoneachshin.IseeaflyonNinaba'sleftshoulderashergrandfathertracesalineonherrightarm.Iknowitticklesher,butshedoesnotmoveitwouldspoilhisline.Finallyhereachesthefoot.Onherrightinstephetracesawhite-hornedrattlerandonherleftayellowone.Ishudderashecarriestheheadofeachunderthefirstjointofthegreattoe.NeitherMarienorNinababatsaneyeatthis.

Allthedetailshavebeenbrushedin.Red-PointnowpaintsNinaba'sfaceashisfriendpaintsMarie's.Notamillimeterofskinisleftinitsnaturalcolor.Fourwidestripescoverall,whiteovertheforehead,blackacrosstheeyes,blueoverthenoseandcheeks,andyellowacrossmouthandchin.Icannotbelievethisismyshylittledaughterashereyesrollinanunnaturalexpanseofwhitenessandherteethglistenfiercely

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fromthesurroundingyellow.Marie'ssweet,jollyfaceisalsodisguisedoutofallsemblanceofitsusualexpression.

Red-Pointandhisassistantfinallyfinishthepaintingtohissatisfaction.Thepatientsputontheirjewelry.Red-Pointmixesalittlesandfromthefeetofthegodsofthesand-paintingandputsitintheirmoccasins.Hethenleadsthemontothepainting.Theygothroughthecourseoftreatmentwhichcombinesalltheyhavehadbeforeonthethreepaintingsofthepreviousdaysandontheprecedingsevennights,andtothemseveralothersareadded.Red-PointhasbraidedanecklaceandwristbandsforeachfromstripsofyuccaleafandintertwinedatintervalssprigsofDouglasfirandfourturkeyfeathers.Heputstheseonthepatientsceremoniallyatawordinaspecialsong.

Afeathermedicinebundleliesonthepainting.Thishetiestothelocksofhairwhichhehassmearedwithwhiteduringthepainting.Toasmalllockofeachgirlhetiesastringonwhichatinycowryshellandasmall,verybluebeadofturquoisehavebeenfastened.Aballaboutasbigasawalnutisadministered.Itisroughanddry,beingacompoundofmanythingslikefish'sblood,andpollen.Itislikeahuge,sandy,woolly,sweetish,bitterpill.ThepatientschewitupandswallowitwithwaterRed-Pointgivestheminfourmouthfuls.

ThepollenballrepresentstheagatemanwhichtheSunputintoEnemy-Slayerortheturquoiseonewhichstandsinthebodyofhisbrother.Thesunboardofthebundleispressedhardagainstthestomach,themoonboardagainsttheback.Thisisdonetoputtheturquoiseinplace.Finally,afterbreathingthesunoutsidethehogananddressing,thepatientsreturnandeatunseasonedcornmushtokeeptheballinposi-

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tion.Thispartoftheriteisoverandtheymaysleepuntiltheyarecalledforthevigilofthelastnight.Theymustundernoconditionsremovethecollarandbraceletsofyucca,normusttheytakeofftheirmoccasinsorloseanyofthesandoutofthem.Sincetheymustkeepawakethisentirenight,thefewhoursbetweenthepaintingandteno'clockwillbetheirlastchancetosleepfortwenty-fourhours.

Atsunset,whichbeginstheninthdayoftheChant,Iamsittinginthecarreadingdreamilyanduncomprehendingly.Theglowontheearthisofaquiethealingsort.EverydaysinceRed-PointusedtheHudsonRiverwatertherehavebeenlightshowersandWhite-Sandshasbecomegreen.Iamsittinginthecarbecauseasweetfemaleraindampenstheground.Whenthereisnotadoublerainbowthroughtheglisteningcurtain,smallendsoftherainbowbrightenthehorizon.IamthinkingabouttheShootingChant.WhenMarietoldmeitwouldcontinueninedays,ithadseemedtomeimpossiblethatsuchalongtimecouldeverpassbyinthisceremonialmanner.Andnow,almostbeforeIknowit,eightofthemaregone.Therewerethefourdaysofcleansingandpreparationofsacrifices.Theyspedby.ThenfourmorewhentheCornstalk-with-Twelve-Ears,theDouble-Painting,theBuffalo-PaintingandtheEarth-and-Skywerelaid,applied,anddeposited.Theyflewby.

AndnowasenseofcomplacencyliesoverWhite-Sands,asgentleandasgratifyingasthecurtainofraindropswhichhangsoverit.Thesatisfactionlies,Ithink,asIhalfrecline,inhavingcarriedoutacomplicated,fatiguing,nerve-tryingritualtoitsprescribedend.AsenseofrestorationpervadestheplaceasRed-Pointstalksup.Heclimbsupbesidemein

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thecar.Ashelightstheprofferedcigarette,helooksthroughthesmokeandsays,"White-Sandsisbeautiful."

Beforeeitherofusrealizesit,weareintoningalitany:

"Thefieldsarebeautiful,"Irespond.

"Thevegetationisbeautiful,"heencourages.

"Thetreesarebeautiful."

"Thehousesarebeautiful."

"Thewomenarebeautiful."

"Themenarebeautiful."

Andtogetherwesay,"Thechildrenarebeautiful."

ThenI,"TheChantisbeautiful."

"Theofferingsarebeautiful."

"Theprayersarebeautiful."

"Thepaintingsarebeautiful.Allhasbeenrestoredinbeauty,"concludestheoldChanter,asheonceagainstridesofftoattendtothedetailsofthefinalnight.

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XXVEffectsThesongsareover.Thesinginganddrummingcontinuewithonlyafewshortintermissionsallnight.TheChanter,chorus,andpatientsmaynotevendozeoff,buttherestofustakeacatnapnowandthen.Andnowafterbreakfast,whenallisstillandpeaceful,MarieandNinabacometoseeme.Theyrubtheirsleepyeyes,asMarietellsme:"Wemaynotsleepaslongasthesunisup.Forthenextfourdayswemustgetupatsunrise,andwemustnotsleepagainuntilaftersunset.ThatisbecausewehadtheSun's-House.SowhenIwasnearlyfallingoff,myfathersaid,'GoupandseeWeaving-Woman,andtellhertokeepyouawake.'"

"I'lldothatallright,"Ilaugh."Ishalltakenopityonyouwhenyouaregettingtiredofmyquestions,butI'lljustkeepon"referringtoourworkinlanguage.Mariemaynotwork;butteachingmeNavajoisnotwork,andIshallnagatherwithmyeternalcuriosity.

Ifthepatientssleepinthedaytimetheymayhavebaddreams,andthatwouldkeepthepollenballfromremaininginplace.

Theystillwearthelargebunchoffeathersandthesmallbeadsontheirhair.Theyhaverubbed,perhapsnotpurposely,agreatdealofthepaintofftheirfaces.Buttheymaynotwashorcombtheirhairforfourdays,normaytheyremove

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clothesormoccasins.Thenecklacesandwristbandsofyuccaandfirarestillprickingintotheirflesh,aminortorture.Theydonotstaylongthistime,forRed-Pointoncemorecallsthem.Heuntiesthefeatherbundlefromeachheadandfromittakesadownfeatherwhichhebidsthemcarry.Thenallthreewalkaboutaquarterofamiletothewest,whereRed-Pointselectsasmallpiñontreebeforewhichtheystand.Hetiesthedownfeatherstothetipofthetree,aftersprinklingpollenatthefourquarters,around,upanddown.Thenheremovestheyuccanecklacesandsecuresthemovertheuppercentralbranchesofthetree.Thewristbandsheplacesonbranchesateachside.Astheystandtheresidebyside,hespeakstheprayeroftheyoungpinefourtimes,andhisdaughtersrepeatitafterhim:

Darkyoungpine,atthecenteroftheearthoriginating,Ihavemadeyoursacrifice.Whiteshell,turquoise,abalonebeautiful,Jetbeautiful,fool'sgoldbeautiful,bluepollenbeautiful,reedpollen,pollenbeautiful,yoursacrificeIhavemade.ThisdayyourchildIhavebecome,Isay.

Watchoverme.Holdyourhandbeforemeinprotection.Standguardforme,speakindefenseofme.AsIspeakforyou,sodoye.Asyouspeakforme,thusshallIdo.

Mayitbebeautifulbeforeme,Mayitbebeautifulbehindme,Mayitbebeautifulbelowme,

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Mayitbebeautifulaboveme,Mayitbebeautifulallaroundme.

Iamrestoredinbeauty,Iamrestoredinbeauty,Iamrestoredinbeauty,Iamrestoredinbeauty.

Afterallsprinklepollenoncemoretheyreturnhome.

OnsubsequentvisitsofMarie,Ilearnthatthekindofworktheymaynotdohastodowithfireandwater.Theymustnotgonearfireorusewater,althoughtheymaydrinksome.Theyhavehadthesacredpatternsputontheirbodieswithcareandsong,andforthatreasonwillbebenefited.Buttheymustnottouchanyonewhohasneverhadthesing,norshouldsuchonestouchtheirthings.Onlythosewhohavehadthesingmayeatwiththemandwashthedishestheyuse,fortheblessingsofthechantarepermanent.Whatisdonenowisdoneforalltime.Forfourdaystheywillobservetheserestrictions;forfournightsmoretheywillsleepinthehoganunderRed-Point'seye.Tothosewhohavenothadthesing,theymightcommunicatepowerinanirregularanddisorderlymanner,thatwouldbringspecialharmtothepersonencountered.

"Harrietsaidwhenhermotherhadthesing,shewashedaftertwodays,"ItellMarie,speakingofagirlwhohadvisitedus.

Marie'sscornknowsnobounds."Yes,andshewasbittenbyasnakethatverysummer.That'swhatisthematterwithTotlani's-Wife,too.ShehadthissingoveratWater-in-the-

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Earth,andshestartedtocooktheverydayaftertheall-nightsing.Myfathersaysthatisthereasonsheissosick."

Totlani's-Wifeisdyingofcancer.Somesayitisbecauseshewovetoomanysand-paintingblankets,sincebeforeherillnessshewasindustriousandenterprising.Red-Pointissurehecouldcureher,foralthoughshehasalreadyhadtheShootingChantsungforher,heissureitwasnotdoneproperly.

"Sheisworse,didyouknow?"ItellMarie."Shegotacoldmuchlikeyouhad,onlyworse,andshewasspittingblood.TheyhadamantotellwhatsingsheoughttohavewhenIwastheredaybeforeyesterday.HesaidsheoughttohavetheFemaleShootingChantandafterthattheWarDance."

"It'stoobad,"saysMarie."YouknowafterthefirstdaywhenIhadthatawfulheadache,myfathersaidmyhandswerecooler.Itwasthesingthatmadeit.AfterthatIdidn'thaveheadacheanymoreeither."

"Itseemsasthoughyourfathernevermakesamistake.Iknow,ofcourse,thathehastosaytheprayersjustexactlyright.Yousaidthemallright,too,butwhatdoeshedowhensomeonecan'tkeepup?IfIhadasing,IamsureI'dmakemistakes.Wouldhebeabletosingsothatitwouldnotmatter?"

"Yes,that'sthewaytheydo.Ninabagotoffthetrack,too,buthecanmakethatallrightwithaprayer.Wedon'tknowwhattodoeither.Theyhavetotellus."

Danridesupaswetalk.Themenaregoingtobrandcattle.Dowewanttowatchthem?Innotimewehaveafullauto.YikadezbaandDjibaasusualimploreustotakethem."Theycancomethistime,"Isay."NinabacanholdDjiba."

"No,wearenotallowedtotouchthechildren.Theyhave

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neverhadthesing."Thewomennegotiate.TheyagreethatthechildrenwillwalktothebrandingwithAtlnaba.

OnthewayMariecommunicatesanotherbitofgossip."Marysaidshewasgoingtocomeuptothesing,butshecouldn'tgetanyonetobringher.Shewascomingtomakefun.Shesaidshewouldn'thaveasingwiththosedirtyoldmedicine-men."

"Ithinkapersondoesn'thavetobelieveit,"Ireply,"butIdon'tthinksheneedstomakefunofit."

"She'saChristian!"burstsforthMarieindignantly."That'sthereasonshehassuchfunnybabies!"

Maryhashadonechildbornwithouteyesandanotherwithoutaskull.Bothlivedforsometime,ahorrortoIndiansandwhitesalike.Thedoctorsaysshehaschronicmalconception;theNavajosayitisirreverence.

Thebrandingisapleasantdiversion.

Anotherfulldaygoesbywhenapartyofthefamily,MarieandNinabaincluded,gobywagontoacañontowardtheeastwheretheycarefullydepositButte-Reaching-to-the-Sky.Thisisasculpturedpartofthedoublepaintingmadeofpotteryclay.Red-Pointgoeswiththemandthedisposalismaderitualistically.

Beforeweknowit,thefourdaysaregone.Atsunriseafterthethirteenthnightfromthebeginningofthechant,MarieandNinabauntiethebeadsfromtheirhair,shampooitandwashtheirentirebodiesinyuccasuds.Eachtiesherbeadtoherhairstringandfromthistimeonwillwearitalways.Ifeverthereisastorm,anepidemic,orshe"getsintoatightplace,"shemayshakethebeadattheoffenderassheuttersaprayer,andalldangerwilldisappear.

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XXVITheKinni's-SonsThefourdaysduringwhichMarieandNinabaimbibedthestrengthoftheirpaintingshavebeendaysofquietmentalworkandrelaxation.IleaveWhite-Sandstogetthesaddle-blanketpatternsfromMr.Short-PantsandMr.Little-Man-with-the-Spectacles.TheyliveatThoreau,aplaceontherailroadafewmileseastoftheContinentalDivide.ManyoftheNavajowomenknowhowtomakethemoremodest,dullblankets,butsincetheAmericanbuyingpublicwantssomethingmorestrikingfor''Papa'sstudy,"theydonotgenerallyreceivemuchencouragementtobringthemin.Infact,fewofthetradersknowtheyaredifferent,almostnoneknowwhatthedifferencesare.Theblanketsrequiregreatcareincounting,notonlywhenthewarpisstrungupbutevenduringtheentiretimetheyarebeingwoven.TheNavajomakethemfortheirmen-folk,bywhomtheyaredulyappreciatedandused.

ThetradersatThoreauhavefortwoyearsbeencollectingloomswithunfinishedwebs.TheverydayIannouncemyselfseesmeestablishedintheirblanketroomsurroundedbyblanketsofallkindsandthemanylooms.Icandrawplansforstringingandweavinginmynotebookwithoutactuallysettingupandweavingeachpattern.AtRed-Point'sIprogressedfromonesteptoanotherbyhavingthewomenshow

Braided

DiamondCourtesyofLloydAmbrose

CookShadeForWarDance

Firewood

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me.OftenIdidnotknowwhatmygoalwas.Mylearningwasalwaysparticular.Andsoitwouldbeheretoo,hadnotthesegentlementakenthetroubleforseveralyearstosecureinformationonthedifferentrugsastheycamein,everfindingnewsurprises,eveninabusinesslongfollowed.

ThedifferencebetweentheseweavesandtheordinarykindIhavelearnedisthatthedesigninthesedependsuponelaboratestringingofthewarp.Wehaveusedsofaronlytwohealdsmakingtwosheds,andwehavesecuredallthevariationinourdesignsbymanipulationoftheweft.Becauseofthatmanipulation,wehave,too,alwaysachievedthesamedesignonbothsidesofourrugs.Iseethattheseweaves,newtome,dependuponthewaythewarpsarestrung,allofthemcarefullycountedinvaryingseriesandloopedontwo,three,orfourhealds.Theweftisusuallyathree-colorcombination,althoughitneednotbe.Eachofthethreeweftstrandsiscarriedacrosstheentirewidthoftheblanketasthehealdsarethrown.Itisnecessary,then,formetomarkinmydiagramsthenumberandorderofthethreadsoneachofthehealds,andtonotethealternationoftheweftstrands.

Thedesignresultingfromthecombinationofdifferentshedsandvariationofweftcolorinthemostcomplicatedisadiagonal.Itmaybevariedbydifferentshiftsalmostindefinitely,butitremainsthebasicdesign.Anotherdivisionoftheshedsthrownintheproperorderforagivendistance,thenreversed,resultsinadiamond,largeorsmalldependingentirelyuponthenumberofwarpsintheset-up.Itisnotdifficultfromtheseloommodelstograsptheessentialsofthesheddingquickly.Itisnecessaryinadditiontodissecttheweftthrowing.Sincetheloommodelsareloose,itiseasyenoughtopushuptheweftsrowbyrowandcoördinatethem

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withthehealds.ButIfindImustdothisforagoodlynumberofrows,dependingofcourseuponthesizeofthediamond.For,afterhalftheshapeofthediamondissecured,theorderofthrowingtheshedsisreversedtoformthesecondhalf.

Iworkonthesepatterns,advancingfromthesimplertothemorecomplex.Iamoccasionallypuzzledbythefactthatthewarpsasstrungdonotcorrespondtothemaswoven.Insuchcase,Mr.Short-Pantsfindsmeasecondmodel.Hehasnoduplicatesforoneortwo,andIdecidetoleavethemuntilIknowmore.

Iamnowreadyforpracticalwork.Mr.Short-PantstakesmetoseeMrs.Kinni's-Son.ShelivesonlytwomilesnorthofThoreau.Wefindherweavingataloomsetupunderatree.Thefamilyisadullone,butthesettingisevenmorecolorfulthanWhite-Sands.Thereisapiñon-dottedplainextendingfromsteepredstonecliffswhichstandlikeabulwarkaboutamilebehindthesettlement.Theplaceiswellwatered,thegrassgrowsbrightgreenandthickovertheredsandground.Theviewisbrilliant,far,andclean.

Thetreeunderwhichthelargeloomstandsisinfrontofarudestructureofplanks,ahouseunlikethatofwhitesorNavajo.Inthishousethecookingisdone.Afewpacessouthisanotherbuildingsomewhatlikeit,theboardsofitssidesandroofsoplacedastoleavelargecracksthroughwhichthesunfilterstemperamentally.Thereisastoveinthecenterofthebuilding,andaloomframeatthenorthside.

Mrs.Kinni's-Sonisweavingablanketsuchaswehavecometotalkabout.Herdaughter,ahandsomehalf-growngirl,sitsnearher,cardingandobservingussmilingly.Mr.Short-PantsexplainsthatIwantMrs.Kinni's-SontosetmeupaloomforwhichIwillpaythesamepricehepaysheratthepost.Be-

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sidesIwillpayherfivedollarsaweekforteaching.Aftertheblanketisstrungup,shewillnothavetoworkatit,butcancardorspinwhileIamweaving.Weemphasizethefactthatthiswayshewillbeabletoearnmorethantwicewhatshewouldwithherownweaving.Sheagrees,althoughherexpressionshowsshedoesnotquitecomprehend.

Aswesitlongerandwatchherweaving,herhusbandcomesup.HeisnotcordiallikeRed-Point,buthasratheranattitudeof"Whatareyoudoinghere?"Heisofmediumstatureandstocky,good-looking,butlacksthefriendlyappealIhavecometoadmireintheNavajo.Weexplainourplantohim,talkalittleonotherthings,explainitagain.HehasasonwhospeaksEnglish;soifwecometoadiscussiontooinvolvedformyNavajotalents,hewillinterpret.Weagree,aftermoreandlongerargumentaboutmoney,thatImaystartworktomorrow.IhavethefeelingIshallnotbecomeattachedtothisfamilyinanyway.Ishalllearnmylessons,paymymoney,andbedone.

Iarrivenextdaytofindthewomenbusypreparingyarn.Kinni's-Sonisnothome.Mrs.Kinni's-Sonhaswarp,andatoncesetsupablanket.Itisalittlelessthanthreehandswidebylessthanfourlong.Itdoesnottakeherlongtostringitortotwinetheendfinish.Shedeftlyfastensthemovableloomtotheloomframeinthehouse.Thensheseatsherselfbeforeitandstartstocountoutthethreadsforthehealdloops.

Althoughshehassetupdozensoftheseblankets,herprocedureisoneofexperimentation.Carefullycounting,shetakesupthreadsonherbatten.Whenshehascastitthroughtheentirewidthsheinsertsareedandwithdrawsthebatten.Shemakesthefirsttwoshedsratherfast.Butshefindsthecountforthethirdwrongandtriesagain.

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Iwatchherintently.Ihavemynotebookopenatmydiagramforthispattern,andIknowwhichwarpssheshouldtakeup.Butshehasmademanyoftheseblankets,andIwanttoseehowshedoesit.Shetriesandfailsanumberoftimesandatlast,discouraged,hasherdaughteratit.Thedaughterhasbeenwatchingforatimeandgivingoralsuggestions.Shenowtradesplaceswithhermother,flipsthethreadsandseparatesthemsurelyandexpertly,eachgroupforitsrod.Itdoesnottakehermorethanabouttwentyminutestogettheminorder.Hermotherthenfastenstheproperpairedorsinglethreadsintotheloopsoverthehealdrods.Atlasttheshedsmaybethrown.Ithastakenheratleastanhourandahalftodothispartofthework.

Sheweavesafewrowstoillustrateformetheorderofinsertingthewoofthreads,andofthrowingthesheds,thenhandsthecombtome.Inoteparticularlythatshepoundsdowntheyarnwithherbatten,aproceedingMarieforbadewhenIfirststartedtoweave.Ineverycaseweshallthrowtheweftclearacrossthewidthofthewarpsothatwehaveeachcolorwoundonareed,andourworkproceedsrapidly.Imustkeepinmindtheorderoftheshedstobethrownandcoordinatethatserieswiththepropersequenceofweftcolors.IfImakenomistakesforthisblanketIwillgetacleancutrowofdiagonallines,white,black,gray,white,black,gray.

Mrs.Kinni's-SonisnotnearlyasintelligentasRed-Point'swomen,butinsomerespectssheisabetterteacherforshethrowsmeonmyownresponsibility.Iweavealong,makingoccasionalmistakeswhichItakeout,butwithalmyprogressisapparent.Itissurprisinghowonehastoconcentrateontheorderofthistypeofweaving.IthinkitisbecauseIamnewatit,butMr.Short-Pantstellsmethatallthewomenhe

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knowsbecomeimpatient,evenangry,ifsomeonetalkstothemwhiletheyaremakingtheseweaves.Thisfactalone,inthefaceoftheNavajolikingforvisitingandconversation,mayaccount,Ithink,forthescarcityoftheseblanketsintrade.

Mrs.Kinni's-Sondoesnotfeelitnecessarytowatchmyeverymoveandleavesmetomyowndevices.Abouteleveno'clockthereisastirintheotherhouse,andsoonthedelicioussmokeofburningcedarassailsmynostrils.Thegirlshavestartedthemiddaymeal.WhenIgethungryImovemycarwithitscontentstowardtheredcliffsandhavemybrieflunch.Ireturntomyworktofindthewomenallbusypreparingyarn.Iarrivedatatimewhentheyhadnoneready.Iheartherhythmicscratchscratchofthetowcardsinthestronghandsofoneofthegirls,andthebusycomfortablewhirofMrs.Kinni's-Son'sspindleasitrapidlytwirlsonthehardground.Iaddtothechorustheregularthudofmycombattheweaving.

IhadintendedtohaveMrs.Kinni's-Sonsetmeupaloomforeachtypeofstringing.ButIhavemadeatwo-inchstripeofdiagonalsleaningfromrighttoleft;Ihavereversedthehealdsandachievedthesamekindofastripewhichleansfromlefttoright.AnotherbandofdiagonalsleaningintheoppositedirectionconvincesmeIhavemasteredthislesson.Thereareimperfections,ofcourse,butIwanttounderstandprinciples.Ishalldoubtlessneverweaveenoughtobecomewhollyexpert.Ishallbecontentedwithunderstanding.NotofcoursebecauseIdonothavedozensofpatternsinmyhead,butbecauseIhavetoomanythingstodo.

IamthinkingthesethingswithasighofresignationwhenKinni's-Soncomesinwithhisson.Hestartsinonalongargumentwhichistohavealmostdailyrepetition,andthe

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burdenofwhichis:"Thiskindofweavingishard.Notmanywomenknowhowtodoit.Youought,therefore,topaymywifealargesumforhavingherteachyou."

Ipointoutthat,whilesheisteachingme,sheisgettingmorethananyoftheeducatedgirlswhoareworking,andatthesametimeshecanbeworkingforherself.ItrytobepatientasIexplainthesethings.Thesepeopleliveneartherailroad.Theyhavebeenexploitedforyearsbywhitepeople.Theyareonthedefensiveagainstexploitationbuttheyreallyhavenodefense."Youwilllearntoweave,andyouwillteachthewhitewomentoweavesothattheNavajowomenwon'tbeabletoearnmoneyanymore."

IshouldnotbeabletosuppressasmileifanotherwhitepersonorevenMariewerewithme,butaloneasIam,itseemstoopathetictobefunny.Itellhimhowmyfamilywouldstarveiftheydependedonmyweavingforaliving.ItellhimhowbadandhowslowIamatspinning.Afteratimeheissilencedbutnotconvinced.Againwegoover,detailbydetail,theamountIamgoingtopayhiswife.Heisveryinsistent,andIcontinuetoelucidate.ItellhimImakeapointnevertopaybeforeajobisdone.Assoonasthisblanketcomesdown,Iwillpayhiswifeforit,justasthetraderwouldifshebroughtittothepost.If,beforethetimecomes,aweekgoesby,Iwillpayherfivedollarsforteachingme.

Luckilyforme,Kinni's-Sonisnothomeeveryday.Buteverydayheistherewegothroughexactlythesameperformance.Hiswifeseemstoliketohavemethere.She"shows"meallabouttheweaving,shecheerfullycorrectsmyNavajo,shesitsbehindmeandspinssociablyasIwork.WhenIpayherthefirsttime,hersontellsme"sheisglad."Mysurmise,corroboratedbywhiteobserversandotherNavajo,

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isthatKinni's-Sonissupportedlargelybytheindustryofhiswomen,andhewantstobesupportedaswellaspossible.

Idecidethat,sinceIunderstandtheprincipleofthisfirstdiagonalmethodthereisnouseinhavinganumberoflooms.Ihavethecountsinmynotebook,thecoördinationinmyhead.Iwilltakethehealdloopsoutofthisone,restringthemforanotherpattern,andhavetwoorthreedesignsonthesameloom.ItellthistoMrs.Kinni's-SonandtellherIwishtoarrangemyownsheds.Ifollowherleadinpickingupthethreadsonthebatten,butIreadtheproperthreadsfrommynotebook.Ittakesmetwentyminutes.AsIdoitsheremarkstoherdaughter,"Herpapertellsher."

AfterIhaveitfinishedIaskforherapproval.Sheseatsherselfoncemorebeforetheloomtotryitout,andasshedoessoshesaysitiswrong.Iarguewithherandaskherwhere.Sheteststhepatternbyweavingandseesthethreadshavethecorrectrelationshipwarptowarp,wefttoweft,warptoweft.Shesaysnomore,butsheisbothered,Iknow,bythefactthatIomittedapreliminaryseparationofthewarpthreadsforwhichIcanseenopurpose.

Thenewpatternisacontinuoussuccessionofsmallconcentricdiamonds.Oneverticalrowhasagraycenterdiamondsucceededbyablackandared.Thenextverticalrowwhichdovetailsintoithasaredcenter,andissurroundedbyaredandablackdiamond.Ontheoppositesidetheorderisreversedasitisinallclothwheretheweftisthrownthroughtheentirewidthoftheshed.Iweavenearlyahandinthispattern.Iunderstanditwell,butasinglemistakeruinstheeffectandIhavemademorethanone.Iwanttogetseveralrowsofperfectdiamondsatleast.

IhavetoldtheKinni's-SonsIamgoingtostaythreeorfour

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weeks.Ihadnoideahowlongitwouldtakemetolearntheweaves,andbesides,Ihaveagreatmanyotherthingstodo.OnthethirddayIaskMrs.Kinni's-Sontoloopthehealdsforathirdpatternonthissetofwarp.Icandoitmyself,Iamconfident,butIwanttoseeifshealwaysusesthemethodoftrialanderrororifshejustgotflusteredthefirstday.Ifindthatagainsheusesthesamesystem,althoughitdoesnottakehersolongtogetitrightthistime.Oncemoreherdaughtertellsherwheresheiswrongafterrepeatedtrials.

Therecanbenodoubtthatsheknowshowthethreadsappear,anditisevidentthatshehasnotsystematicallymemorizedthecounts.Eachtimeshesetsoneupshemuststartfromtheverybeginning.

WhenKinni's-Sonseesmyprogress,heisamazedandbaffled.Hestartsonhislongspeechoffearaboutwhitecompetition.Hehasbeendrivenbymyspeedinlearningtothefollowingperoration:''Thisishardtolearn.Notmanypersonsknowhowtodothiskindofweaving.Ittookmywifealongtimetolearnit.Youhavelearneditsoquickyououghttopayherfivedollarsadayinsteadoffivedollarsaweekforteachingyou."

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XXVIIStandardsAtthepostthereisoneofthemostbeautifulmodernrugsIhaveeverseen.Itisofmediumsize,andthecombinationofcolorsisastrokeofgenius.Besides,itiswovenwithadifferenttechnique.Althoughithasapatternapparentlysecuredbyourordinaryweftweave,thereisatwilledeffectinthewaythestitcheslie.Iconsiderthisrugforawhile,andafteratimeIthinkIknowhowtodoit.Itisacombinationofthemorecomplicatedwarpstringingandtheweftweave.Theset-upisasforthediamond,butthistimethediamondisreallylarge;thereareonlytwocompletediamondstothewidthoftheentirerug,aboutthreefeet.

Iwilltryitmyself,butImustoncemorebecauseoflackoftimemakeminesmall.Ipatternminefromthehandsomeone,designingonlyaquarterofitandinmuchsimplercolors.

TheprocessisoneofthemostcomplicatedtowhichtheNavajoattainbecauseofthecombinationofprinciples.Butitisnotparticularlydifficultinactualexecution.Mrs.Kinni's-Sonagreeswithmyanalysisandletsmesetitup.Ismiletomyself,rememberinghowmywhitefriendsatGanadoteasemeaboutmylikingforstripes,asIweaveafoundationoffourstripes,eachoutlinedbyacontrastingcolor.

Ihavewovenhalfofmythird,agraystripe,whenIrunoutofgrayyarn.IexpectMrs.Kinni's-Sonwillhavesome

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more.Shehas,butitdoesnotmatchwhatIhavebeenusing.Therearemanyshadesofgray.Onekindismadebymixingwhiteandblackincarding.Manyworkersmatchuptheircardedpadsastheyworkandsecureuniformity.Atlnabaisalwaysverycarefulaboutthis.Therewillofcoursebemanyshades,lighterordarker,accordingtotheamountofwhiteorblackthatisused.Thistypewecall"cardedgray."Butthereisanotherkind,"naturalgray."Itisyarnspunfromthewoolofagrayishsheep.Itshouldmoreproperlybecalledtan.

Thiscolorisallrightinitsplace;myideaofitsplaceiswiththetansandcombinationsofcolorssuitedtothem.ThegrayIhadstartedwithissoftanddark,exactlylikethatIhadusedatRed-Point's.ThenewballMrs.Kinni's-Sonoffersmeis"sheep-gray."Sheseesnoreasonwhythetwoshouldnotbeusedtogether.Sheknowstheyaredifferent,butherstandardsarenotuptoAtlnaba's.

Iusetheyarnbutonlywithinwardmutteringsandgrumblings:"Thatisthereasontheygetsucheffectsasseveralatthepost.Wholeblanketswovenandruinedbymismatching."IfIweremakingapointofstandardsIshouldnotbesatisfieduntilwehadspunthepropershade.ButIaminterestedingettingonwithmysample,whichIamnotgoingtofinishanyway.

IseeIshallsoonneedwhite.Mrs.Kinni's-Sonsendsthegirlforawhiteskein.Whiteisaeuphemismforwhatshebrings.Itisaskeinofniceyarnbutthecolorofsheepduringtherainyseason.Igasptothinktheywouldevenconsiderusingthat,butthegirlsitsdownandunwindstheskeinpreparatorytowindingitinaball.Whenshegivesittome,Isayitistoodirtytouse.Iknowthedirtcouldneverbetakenoutofa

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rugonceithadbeenwovenintoit.Idonotbelieveeithermotherordaughterwoulduseitinherownweaving.Ithink:"AtlnabawouldsendNinabatowashthatforme.Morelikelyshewouldhavewasheditherselferethis.Itcertainlyisacontrasttheway'myfamily'hassomanysuppliesonhand.Heretheyareneverevenaskeinaheadoftherugtheyaremakingluckyiftheyhaveenoughtofinisheventhat."

IdecideIwillnotcompromisebyusingthissoiledstuff.Iwillwashitmyselffirst.IhaveinmykitasmallquantityofwhiteIhavespunmyself.Itisverylumpyandunevenbutwhiteandfleecy.Iwillusethisasamakeshiftfortheafternoon.Itaketheballofwhitewithmeandwashit,whereuponitbecomesasgoodasanyyarn.

Icometothetriangleandweaveafewinchesbeforethedayisdone.ThenexttimeIcomeMrs.Kinni's-Sontellsmecomplaisantlythattheshedswerewrongandshetookthemoutandputtheminagaincorrectly.ShecannotunderstandmyunexpressedannoyanceatthefactthatIdidnotseeherdoit.LuckilyIhavemydiagramandIcanseewhereinshechangedit,butIshouldhavelikedachancetoaskwhy.Icouldseenothingwrongwiththeweaving,althoughIunderstandperfectlyitwouldbetoolatetocorrectitwhenwecometothepointofthetheoreticaldiamond,thatis,atthehalfoftheweaving.

Idawdleconsiderablyaboutweavingthisrug.IwanttokeepmypromisetotheKinni's-Sonsaboutstaying,butIdonotwanttofinishthisrug,nordoIwanttosetupanotheronehere.SoIworkatotherthings.ButIfinallyreachthecenteroftheblanketandreversetheorderofmyhealds.Idecidetodo"justonemorerow"then"onemoreseriesofhealds"beforeIstop.Cloudshavecomeupinthenortheast,

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windblowsviolently.Iworkuntilbigcuttingdropscomethroughthecracksoftheroof,thenhastilycovertheblanketandwoolwithasheepskin,throwovermyshouldersthearmyblanketonwhichIhavebeensitting,andemergeintoaperfecttorrent.Theinhabitantsoftheplacescuttleforcoverinthehogan.Theboyhasalreadystartedafireofcedarandtheraindropshissastheystrikethemetalpipewhichcarriesawaythesmoke.

Everybodylaughsashemoveshisseatconstantlyfromonedryplacetoanotherwhenthehardrainfindstheweakpointsoftheroof.ThisisthepermanentbuildingoftheKinni's-Sonfamily.It,likethewoodenhouses,andincontrasttothehogansatRed-Point's,isbare.Thesepeopledonothaveextrasupplies.Thereishardlyathingonecanmention,certainlynothingoneneeds,thatMariaAntoniaorAtlnabacannotproduce.Eventhisbriefacquaintancewithanotherfamilybringsoutthecontrastandexaggeratesthesuperiorityof"myfamily."

Withinfifteenminutesthesettlementisalake.Kinni's-Son,hisson,andaboywhoisvisitingnowgooutalthoughitisstillpouring,todivertthewashwhichthreatenstofloodthecornbehindtheshedwheremyblanketstandsontheloom.Itisrainingmoregentlywhenacrycomesfromtheyoungergirlthatthepuppyisdrowning.

Threeoftheyoungpeople,shoelessbythistime,wadeaboutthree-quartersofamiletorescueit,andafteratimetheybringitintothefirewet,shivering,andfrightened,adrenchedballoffur,butshowingevenatthisearlyagethepeculiarlineswhichcanbestbedescribedas"Navajo."

Therainhasnearlystopped,andIwadegingerly,forrubbersolesslip,fromislandtoislandofthisnewlymade

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pondextendingfromhogantoweavingshed.OnthewayIpassthecookhouse.Itwasdugoutaboutafootwhenconstructedandinitthewaternaturallyseeksitslevel.Coffeepotandwashbasin,emptywaterbucketandfryingpanfloatmadlyaboutasthewaterswirlsthrough.

Wheretheloomis,thefloorispatternedaccuratelywithridgesregularlypeckedoutbythedropsbeatingvigorouslythroughthecracksoftheroof.Thisfloorisverydampbutnowaterstandsonit.IamdisappointednottobeabletocontinueweavingandMrs.Kinni's-Sonwithashovelpatsdrysandbeforetheloomwherewesit.Wehaveoursheepskinandblanketspreadoncemoreandsheisstartingafireinthestovewhenanothershowerdrivesusout.Iwaitforthisonetosinkinabit,thendecidetocomeanotherdaytotakedowntheblanket.

AftertwodaysofhardshowerswegetthecleanbrightnesswhichonlytheSouthwestknows,andIfinishmyworkwiththeKinni's-Sons.

DuringtheintermissionsofmyweavingIhavebeenworkingouttheotherweavesmyfriendshavedemonstratedontheirsmalllooms.Allsaveoneoftheothersaresimple,andIdonotneedpracticeinlearningthem.Theexceptionisthedouble-facedblanket,whichisalwaysviewedwithakindofawebytheuninitiated.Itisararetype,andwhenwovenseemstoberegardedasplaywithatechnique.Therearetwoloomsstrungwithitatthepost,butneitherofthem"comesout"whenItrytoreconstructtheprocess.Mrs.Kinni's-Sondoesnotmakethiskind.Juan's-Wifecomesintothestore.Sheisaneat,efficient-lookingwomanwithfeaturessomewhatseverelychiselled.Herraresmileisquietlikethesunshining

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fromunderadeeplongcloud.Weaskherifshemadethisone.

Sheanswersscornfullyasshestretchestheloomandcarefullyscansit,"DoyouthinkIwouldweaveanythingasbadasthat?"

Ihadcometotheconclusionthatsomeonehadchangedtheshedsaftertheweavinghadbeendone.Perhapssomeoneatthestore,Ithought.ButIcouldnotaccountforthefactthatneitherofthetwoloomsworked.Juan's-WifesayssheisgoingtoGallupfortwodays;butafterthatshewillsetoneupatherhogan,andIshallcomeupandseeit.Shewillshowmehowtoweaveit.AftertheagreedintervaloftimeIgo.ItisattheendofmystayatThoreau.

Juan's-Wife'sfather,whoisthepatriarchoftheneat,cordial,prosperousgroupofhouses,welcomesme,saysIshallcomeheretolive.HesayshewillbuildmeahoganifIdo.WhereuponIconclude:"Itisn'ttherailroad,forthesepeopleareasnearastheKinni's-Sons.Itisthedifferenceinfamilieswhichaccountsforthegreatdifferenceinattitudes."

Juan's-Wifehasmadethree-quartersofarugwithabrightorange,red,andblackswastikadesignononeside,ontheoppositesideaspeckledbrownandwhite.SheweavesafewrowsasIwatch;IthinkIunderstandthemanipulation,andsheoffersmethecomb.Iweave,shewatchesme,letsmeworkbymyselfexceptwhensheseesIamdrawinginaweft,whereuponshecorrectsit.

Thiswebwhichseemssomiraculousisactuallyoneoftheeasiestofalltheweaves.Eachhealdisloopedwithcombinationsofoneandthreewarps.Twoofthehealdsregulatethewarpsforthedesignofthefaceofthecloth,theothertwothoseforthereverseside.Thewebisheavybutoneofthe

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mostinteresting,althoughIhaveneverseenoneIconsideredreallybeautiful.Ihavebroughtthetwoloomswithmefromthepost,forIwishtoseewhereintheyarewrong.WhenIaskJuan's-Wifeshesayslaughingly:"Thewomanwhomadethatdidnotwantanyoneelsetolearnhowshedidit.Sowhenshestoppedweavingshetookouttheloopsandrestrungthemwrong."

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XXVIIIWhite-SandsDesolatedEarlyinafourthsummerIappearoncemoreatWhite-Sands.Iamaloneandofcourseexpectmyusualjoyouswelcome.Idriveupearlyinthemorning.Dailyactivitiesshouldbestarted,butevensoIexpectsomeofthefamilytobeathome.Notasingledogprotestsmyarrival.MariaAntonia'sshadeiscrazierthanever,butnotpicturesquelyso;itlooksforlorn.Closerapproachshowsalockinthehaspofthelargehogan,barsacrosstheshadeentrance.Apremonitioncomesoverme.ItmaybeMariaAntoniaisatthegarden,butthislookslikeamorepermanentabsence.Fortherearenochickensandthegroundaroundthehouseisnothard.Strongfrequentwindshaveblownsandaboutit,sandlongunmarkedbylittletracksofchildrenandgoats.Atlnaba'shouseandMarie'sconfirmmysuspicionsnotasignoflife.

Deeplydisappointed,Igouptomyownhouse.OnthewayIfindastrangevacancy:thehouseofYikadezba's-Motherisgone;onlyaringofblackashesindicatesithadeverbeen.ThestorageholewhichforthreeyearsIhaveconsideredoneofmyhomes,thatsimpleplacewhereIhavehadacompletesenseofwell-beingisutterlydesolate.Itlookslikeasanddune.Greatheapsofsand,bornebynever-ceasingdrywinds,fillinthevacantspaceswhichsetoffthestoragepit

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fromtherestofthelandscape.Infact,Jonathanpursuinghisusualtrack,almostgetsstuck.

IntheformerthreeyearsofmysojournTomhadcleanedouttheplacebeforemyarrival.Todayitsmellsofsheep,thereisalotofloosedirtonthefloor,theextraeaglefeatherswhichRed-Pointhaskepttherefortwoyearsarepulledallovertheplaceasifbyananimal.Thepokerrestingontheridgepolealoneseemslikehome.Thereisnotemptationtostay.OutsideIfindlargepostsstandingclosetothestorehouse,sonearastospoilthefreedomofmysleeping-place.Buttheposts,socarefullycutandpartiallysetup,lookasifthebuilderhadbeensuddenlyinterruptedinthemidstofhisexactinglabor.

Myexperiencehastaughtmenottogiveupinthequestformyfamily.ThebleaknessofWhite-Sandsisduetomorethantemporaryabsence,butIwilltrythegarden.Ashortdrivetoafenced-insanddune,andthesamedesolation.LastyearIhadwalkedthroughittoMariaAntoniaattheoppositeend,wonderingwhentheyweregoingtoplantit.Shehadlaterpointedwiththegreatestpridetotinygreenbladespushingwithalltheirforcethroughthedeepsand.Ihadmarvelledatthestalwartfighttheseseedshadmadeinthefaceoftheoddsagainstthem.Likethehardyjunipers,agedbutsmallpiñons,intrepidandvaliantliketheNavajothemselves.ButthisdayIfindnostoopingblackspeckattheendofthe"garden."Therearegreenshoots,butitisasdesertedasWhite-Sands.

Mynexttryisthesheepcampoverthehillfromthegarden.LastyearwehadfrequentlyvisitedAtlnabathere,whereneatcleancorralswerebuiltandusedforthelambing.Itshouldbeovernow,butithadstrungalongbefore,itmight

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now.Iapproachfromthewrongsideandcometothewash,whichlikehouseandgardenhasbeenthebuttofthewindformonths.Iseeamovingredspeckontheoppositehillside,thedogshavestartedatthesoundofthemotorandruntowardmebarkingasominouslyasever.

IdecideI'dratherwalkthroughthatsandmoresurelythanshovelJonathanoutmoredoubtfullyforthegreaterpartoftheday.AsIwalktowardthepiñon-dottedhillIseelivelywadsofwhitefartheron.Suddenlythemovingredspotcomesfrombehindatree.''Hello,Tom!Whereiseverybody?"

"We'relivingherenow.IcamedownbecauseIthoughtsomeonewasstuckinthesand."

"No,Ileftthecarontheotherside.Itlookedtoodeepandsteepforme,soIthoughtitlessworktowalk."

AndnowMarieadvances,laysherheadonmybreast,asIputmyarmaroundherwaist.Thetearswellfromhereyes.Irepeat:"Areyouallstayingherenow?IwenttoWhite-Sands,andnoonewasthere.Whereisyoursister'shogan?Itlookedasifitwasburned?"

"Thatlittle'Kadezbadied,"saysMariewithasobinhervoice.Igrasphertighterasforminutesweremainsilent.

Shethengoesontoexplain."ItwasMaythesixteenth.Mysisterwasn'therewhenshegotsick,andshedidn'tknowwhattodo.Shejustseemedalittlesickfortwodays;thenshebroughtherhere,butitwastoolateformyfathertosingortocallthedoctororanything.Ithinkshemust'a'hadpneumonia.Sowearestayingherenow."

Sheleadsmetoashade,rooflessbutwellmadeofpostsslantinginwardandcoveredthicklywithgreenboughsofjuniperandpiñon.HereRed-Point,MariaAntonia,and

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Atlnabagreetmetearfully.Aswesmoke,Igetalittleofthenews."Ithasbeenterribledry.Itdidn'trainsinceyouwentaway."

"Ithadn'trainedmuchuptothattimeeither.Didyouhaveanysnow?"

"Yes,lots.Thegrasswasgoodatfirst,butsomehowthesnowmeltedsoitdidn'tgointotheground."

Therehasbeenmuchsicknessanddeath,especiallyamongthepeopleweknowwellandthinkmuchof."MyfatherwastosingthatsamesingIhadoverTotlani's-Wife,butshediedearlyinthespring,"communicatesMarie,andthereisasilenceatthisannouncement.

"Poorthing!Ineverthoughtshe'dgetoverthatillnessshehadlastsummer,"Icondoneatlast.

"Yes,shegotsoshecouldwalkaroundthehouseagainandshewaswell.Butshegotanothercoldandshedidn'tdiefromthecancerbutfrompneumonia."

"IhearJohnisJudgeatFortDefiance!"

"Yes,"answersMariewiththeoldlightinhereye,"andhiswifehasababy."

"IsthereanyplaceIcanstay?"IaskTom."Yes,Ihavepickedoneforyou.I'llshowyou."

Wewalkoverasage-coveredslopetoaprotectingpinewhichTomindicatesasapossibleresidence,farenoughfromtheirsettlementofshadesnottobeintrusive,nearenoughtobeapartofit."I'llbringmythingstomorrowwhenyoucanfixitupforme."

"Tomorrow"Iarrivebagandbaggage.InnotimeatallTomhasdugoutaplaceunderthepiñonsothatitishardandclean.Usingsuchsupportsasareconvenientnearthetree,headdsotherssoastomake

partofashade.Idonotin-

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tendtostaylongthistime,soitwilldo.Iwanttocollectplantsandexperimentwithvegetaldyes,somethingmyfamilydoesnotmake.IamhopingRed-Pointwillgowithus,buthecannotdosountiltheendofJulyattheveryearliest.ThereistobeaWarDancesoonatWater-in-the-Ground,andthefamilyhavedecidedtoparticipate.Thisisatremendousundertaking,andthecombinedresourcesofallthemembersofthefamilywillbenonetoomuch.Iresolvetoseethisthrough.

MarietellsmeBig-Manishere.HeisgoingtohaveaprayerforDjiba's-Mother.Yikadezba's-Mother,atthedeathofheroldestchild,hasbecomeDjiba's-Mother,namedforheroldestlivingchild.Sheisnotexactlysick,butdoesnotfeelrealwell.Sheistired,andhermindissomehownotinorder.Shegetsdizzyandfeelsallmixedup.HerhusbandhasconsultedadivinerwhofindsthatBenhashismountaincamponanolddeertrail.IntheolddaystheNavajochasedthedeeroverittoimpoundthem.Thenthedeerwouldturnbackandget"allmixedup"whentheysawthemenwhowerehuntingthem.ThemindofDjiba's-Motherislikethatnow.Theywillhavetheprayertoday.

AlittlelaterMariecallsmetoherfather'sshade.Thefamilyisthere,andasIlookaround,thefacesofthewomenaredrawnwithsorrow.Djiba's-Mother,whoisnursingherfirstson,aboutfivemonthsold,looksthinandilltome.Sheisworriedandsad;perhapsthatiswhyhermindisnotinorder.Big-Manhasmadea"prayerpainting"insand.HetreatsDjiba's-MothermuchasMarieandNinabaweretreatedfromthebigpaintingsoftheShootingChant.Sheholdsherbabyandnothingwhichisdoneforherisomittedforhim.

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Heundergoestheblowing,anointing,pressing,andtherestwithoutaprotest.

Theeveningpartoftheprayerincludesthe"blackening."Red-PointcallsmeaboutanhourbeforeBig-Manbeginstosing.Hehasseveralflatstonesandsomestickswhichheusesastongs,andlargerorsmalleramountsofplantsassembledbeforehimashesitsneartheglowingcedarfire.Withconsummateskillheburnstheweeds.Somearedrylikestraw.Holdingthemwithhisimprovisedtongs,heignitesabunchattheflameandhastilylaysthemononeoftheflatstonestoburnup.Othersarehard,thick,butdryroots.Theseheputsintoasmallbedofhotcoalsandleavestoburnintocharcoal.Thereisalargeamountofagreenersort.Thisheignitesbutcoaxestoburnononeofthestonesforquitesometime.Therootcharcoalishardevenwhenburned,sohegrindsitfine.ThefinishedproductisamassoffinesootwhichhelaysasideforBig-Mantouselater.

Aboutnine-thirtythemedicine-manbeginssinging.Foranhourceremonialactsfamiliartomecontinue.Everytimeamedicineisappliedto,ordrunkby,thepatientitispassedabouttotherestofus.Thewomentakegreatcaretoincludeallthechildrenwhoarepresentinallofthesematters.Theyaretreatedwhileasleeporevenwakenedforsomeoftheacts.Theblackeningisnextinorder.Djiba's-Motheristhoroughlyblackenedbyrubbingthespeciallyburnedcharcoaloverallherbodyexceptherheadandface.Thenherbabywhoissleeping,isaroused,undressed,andheldstandingwithhistinyfeetinthecharcoal,whilehismotherandgrandfatherseetoitthatheisthoroughlycoveredwithit.Hedoesnotevenwhimper.

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Hismotherwillleavethepaintonfortwodays,butshehasnoothertaboos.

ThenextmorningRed-PointleavestosingatBlackMountain.

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XXIXWarDanceMariaAntonia,whoisneverreallywell,isfeelingevenworsethanusual.Hercoughisbad;shefeelsweakandhaslittleenergy.Sheissixty-threebutseesnoreasonwhyatthatagesheshouldbeabletodolessthanshedidatthirty-five.Occasionallyshehasalittlestabbingpaininherleftside.Red-PointhasheardthatsomepeoplewholivenearWater-in-the-GroundaregoingtohaveaWarDance.AfterconsultationthefamilyagreethatitwouldbewellforMariaAntoniatojointhepatients.Thewholefamilywillcontributenotonlylaborbutalsoalltheirfinancialmeans.

TheWarDanceisheldmorefrequentlythananyoftheNavajosings.Ithasbeenwitnessedbymorewhitesthananyother.Whitesunderstandnoneoftheritescompletely,butthisone,becausethesocialandsecularsideofitismoreapparent,isevenmorethoroughlymisunderstoodandmisrepresented.Mangetsoutofsympathywithnature,withtheelements,orwiththeuniverse,anddiseasecomesuponhim.Adivinerhasthepowertotellwhatthecauseofthedisorderis;oncethecauseisdetermined,stepsintheformofonechantoranothercanbetaken.

Causesarenot,however,restrictedtoaman'sownspanoflife.Itmaybethatoneofhisparentshascomeintocontactwithdangerinadisorderlymannerduringthetimehismother

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wascarryinghim.Theparticulardangersconsistindealingwithenemiesorforeigners.Ifawarriorhaskilledorinjuredhisenemybyhittinghimintheheadorchest,thatsamefighterunlesshehastheWarDanceheldforhim,maybecomeillwithanafflictionoftheheadorchest.Hisunbornchildmayalsobelatersoafflicted.TheAncientPeople,prehistoricinhabitantsofthemanyruinsoftheNavajocountry,weretraditionalenemies.Theirpowerforharmhasnotceasedbecausetheyaredead;ifanything,deathenhancestheirdanger.Thesightofaboneofoneofthesepeoplemayhavethesameeffectsonapersonorhisoffspringasactualcontactwithanenemy.Evenifhehasnotconsciouslybeheldsuchadisintegratedbutstillsentientrelicitmaybethathehaspassedone,perhapsevensteppedonit,unknowingly.Ifindefinitedangerslikethisbesetamanhimself,whocanaccountfortheexperiencesofhisparents?

MariaAntoniawasborntheyeartheNavajowerereleasedfromtheircaptivityatFortSumner.Contactsthereandlaterwerealmostentirelywithsoldiers.Sincethebenefitofothersingshasbeenonlytemporarythisonemayhavemorepermanentresults.So,likeTotlani's-Wifeandmanyotherofherfriendsandacquaintances,MariaAntoniawilltrythis.

TheWarDancewillbeginThursday.OnWednesdayallthecookingutensils,bedding,andoddsandendsnecessaryforashortsojourn,aswellasmuchgoodsbytheyardandceremonialparaphernalia,areloadedintothewagonsandtakentoWater-in-the-Ground.NinabaandAngela,Ruby'ssister,whoisvisiting,havebeeninstructedtodrivethesheepinthesamedirectiontoday.AfterallarewellstartedItakeMariaAntoniaandDjiba.Wedriveninemilestothesceneofourpartoftheceremony.Hereisatremendousshade

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perhapsthirty-fivebytwentyfeetindimensions.Itisnew,thepostsarecloselyset,theroofingboughsarefreshandgreen.

Therearefewpeopleherethisearly,butthechiefcooksoftheotherfamilyparticipatinghaveestablishedthemselveswiththeirfamiliesandpetsinthenorthernhalfoftheshade.Ourwomenwillusethesouthernhalf,andthiswillbeourhomeforseveraldays.Herehundredsofvisitorswillbefedatallhours,hereallsuppliesarekept.Threewagonswithbarrelsofwaterstandoutside.Infrontoftheshadethereisahugepileofwood;notfartotherightarethreelargecleanSpanishovensmadeofadobe.Thisisthecenteroftheentertainment.AWarDanceconsistslargelyofentertainment.

TherearethreepatientsbesidesMariaAntonia,anoldwomanwithwhitehairandnoteeth,butveryspry;herfourteen-year-oldson;andamanwhoisnorelationtoanyofthem.Marieknowshisnamebutdoesnotknowtheoldwoman.Hereyesarequickandbrightandhumorous.Thepatientsremainformostofthefivedaysoftheperformanceinasummerhoganfivehundredorsixhundredyardsawayfromthecookingshade.Thishoganandthesmallshadeinfrontofitarethestageforthesacredpartofthesing.

ThemostimportantpropertyoftheDanceisatrophywhichrepresentstheghostoftheenemy.IntheolddaysitwasanenemyscalporboneoftheAncientPeople.Todayalockofhair,orapieceofskinofsomepersonnotaNavajomaybeused.Itneednotbetakeninwarbutmustbelongtoanalien.Scalpsfromthemedicinebundleofachanterarenotunknown.Ittakesseveralhourstomakethetrophystick,whichismarkedandtiedwithmanythings.

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"Changing-Woman,whoistheEarthMother,boretwosons,First-bornandChild-of-the-Water,whoderivedsuchpowerfromtheirfather,theSun,thattheywereabletoovercomethedreadfulmonsterswhichencumberedtheearthandpreventedpeoplefrompopulatingit.Whentheywerefourdaysoldthatis,oldenoughtothinktheyaskedtheirmother,'WheredoesBig-Monsterlive?''Sh!'shewarned.'Don'tmentionhisname.'Buttheyinsisted,soshetoldthem.Theywentoffandnotonlyattackedbutkilledthemonsterforalltime.First-bornbroughthomeapartofthebodyofBig-Monsterwhichhehunginatreeinfrontofhismother'shousetoprovehisprowess.Thisheandhisbrothercontinuedtodo,untilallthemonsterswerekilledandtheearthwasadecentplacetolivein.

"Changing-Womanherselfhadagreatdealofpower,buteachtimeshelookedatoneofthetrophiesshepurifiedherselfwithpollenandaprayer."

Aboutthreeo'clockonThursday,thefirstcounteddayofthesing,thetrophystickisready."Our"partyisreadytotakeittoSunrise,aboutfourteenmileswest,wheretheopposingpartyawaitsit.Bythistimeseveralhundredpeoplehavegathered.AllofthemwanttogotoSunrisewithme!ItellMarieIcannottakeallwhowanttogo,shemustchoosewhichtheywillbe.Westartwithseven.Mariechoosestotakehermother'sco-patientandanotherstranger,thenthereareTom,Atlnaba,andofcourseDan.Themanpatientisinthepartyofhorsemen,andthefourteen-year-oldboyonhorsebackcarriesthetrophy.MariaAntoniaistheonlypatientwhoremains.

White-Haired-WomanguidesusoverashortcutshorterinmilesthaninhourswhichleadspastherwinterhogantoSunrise.Formilesweclimbupanddipintothick-grassedslopes,andforasmanymilesseescarcelyasheeporatraceofone.Thereason,White-Haired-Womantellsus,"No

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watertodrink."Wegetstuckindeepsandonce.Thecardisgorgesitsload;allpush,andweareout.Tomknowsadetour.ThecrowdisassembledatSunrise,wherenotabladeofgreenisvisibleonanyside.Againstjaggedcliffsstandsacookingshadeabouthalfaslargeasours.Initparticularguests,whichincludeourparty,arefed.Peoplewalkoveroneanother,thereisscarceroomtosetacoffeecup.Orderandorganization,whicharesonoticeableatallaffairsatRed-Point's,areconspicuouslyabsent.Setonthesandsomedistancebeforethehousearetubsofboiledmutton,wash-boilersfullofcoffee,andgunnysacksfullofbread.Thefoodisdevouredbythehordesofguests.

Thepeopleoftheopposingpartyofferusallpossiblehospitality.Mariedoesnotevenknowwhotheyare.AfterthefeastwewaitfortheGirls'Dance(usuallycalledSquawDance)tobegin.Thetrophystickstandsinabasketinahoganwhereforhoursitisthesoleoccupant.Notuntileleveno'clockdoesthetrophy-bearermarchoutwithitandtherebystartthedance.Shemustbeavirginandmustneverletthetrophytouchthegroundfromthetimeshefirstcarriesituntilthewholedanceisover.TheSunrisepartyhavemadethechoice.Thechildisveryyoung,doesnotlookmorethanseventome.IlearnlaterfromMariethatsheissoyoungthattherearetwowhotaketurnsbecauseonegetstired.

Hermotheraccompaniesherasshecomesfromthehogancarryingthetrophyandseeksayoungmantodancewithher.Themothertellshertograbayoungmanbythecoatanddrawhimoutintothecenterofthedancingplace.Alargechorusstandsononesideandsingsvigorously,pausingforonlyshortintervalsuntilsunrise.

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Thisisthedanceofwhichwhitepeoplemakeallmanneroffun.Thegirlsforcetheyoungmentodance.Theywillnotletonegountilhehaspaidforhisdance.ANavajomancangetawaybypayingadime,awhitemanisexpectedtopayatleastaquarter.Butevenifhegetsoffbypayinghiscoin,anypresentableyoungbuckwillbeinvitedagainandagain.Hemaythereforesavemoneybydancingforalongtimewiththesamegirl.Hemayenjoythis,mayevenpayagirltodancewithhimandnooneelsethewholeevening.Ontheotherhand,hislackofacoinmaymakehimagirl'sprisonerforhours.

Thestepofthisdanceismonotonous,akindofdisinterestedshufflingofonepartneraroundtheother.Oftenthemanappearstobedraggedbythegirl,whoholdshimbythecoatifshefollowsoldways.Moreintimatepositionsmaybeassumed,andthosewhodancetogetherforalongtimetakeonalookasfatuousasthatIhaveseenonourdancefloors.Manygirlsdanceit.Agirlwhoisnotrespectableisreferredtoasone''whohadtodanceforhermother,"meaningthathermotherforcedhertodanceandexactedfromhertheproceeds.ThisiswhatJohnmeantwhenhesaidhisrelativesmustpickhimawomanwhodoesnotdance.ItiswhatMariemeanswhenshesays,"MysisterwillneverletNinabadance."

EachofthreenightsoftheWarDancearepassedinthismanner,onehereatSunrise,thetwofollowingatWater-in-the-Ground.Bydawnthenextmorningmostoftheaudienceisstrewnhereandthereonthegroundfastasleep.Shortlyaftersunrisepeoplebegintogatherbeforethehogan,andonebyonetheytakegiftsintoit,yardsofcalico,boxesandboxesofcrackerjack,uncountedbottlesofsodapop,sacks

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ofcandy,oranges,silkhandkerchiefs,afinePendletonblanket.

Afteragoodlyamounthasbeenaccumulatedandthecrowdisascloseasitcangettothehouse,smallobjectssuddenlybegintoflyoutofthesmokeholeanddoor.Womenfromourpartyformasemicircleinfrontofthedoor;menandboysstandbehindthem.WomenfromtheSunrisesidecomeoutandplacecalicoaroundthenecksofourparty.Theygivethemasmuchoftheotherthingsastheycancarry.Someoftherecipientshavefifteenormoreboxesofcrackerjackandbottlesofpop,othershavescarcelyany.Complaintsaremostemphaticfromthosewhoreceivethemost.

Everyonewhocamewithme"gotlots."Tomtellsmeamangavehimasteer.Wenowhavethebulkyencumbrancesofeachpassengerandbesidesanotherhitcherbeggingmetotakeher.NothingissohardasforaNavajotosay"No."Oneotherthingthatgrieveshimsorelyisnottobeabletopackallhisbelongings.Bothcontingenciesnowarise.Iabsolutelyrefusetotakeonthiswoman.Lackofspaceisagoodexcuse,butMariefindsithardtomake;thewomanfindsitimpossibletounderstandsuchanexcuse.MeanwhileTomisplanningtheload.Hetieshereandstrapsthere,feetmustceasetoexist.AtthatheisobligedtosendonelargebundleonawagongoingbacktoWater-in-the-Ground.HecouldgeteverythinginJonathanifourreceiptswereexpressedinalmostanytermsbutpopbottles.Theystubbornlyrefusetightercinchingandendupbyridinginthelapsoftheirowners.Idon'tdareinquireaboutthesteer,wemightsomehowhavetotakethattoo.Idrivebackthelongerbutsmootherandlesssandyway;wearriveatWater-in-the-Groundwitheverybottleintact.

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XXXKillingtheGhostThecrowd,includingtheparticipantsfromSunriseandthelittlegirlswhocarrythetrophy,islargeenoughthesecondnighttomaketheDanceacompletesuccess.Butatdaybreakthenextdaytheplacetakesontheappearanceofafair.Coveredwagonsstandabout,moredriveupinaspiritedfashion.Thereisnocountingofthehorsemenintheirwidesombreros,ceriseneckerchiefsandIrishgreenshirts.Horsesstandinquietgroups,reinsslungoveratwigofsagebrush,astheirridersfileinonedooroftheshade,eatwhatseemstobetheirfill,andfileoutagain,onlytoappearatthetableattheotherendwheretheirappetitesseemequallygood.

Afteratimetheinterestintheceremonialshadedominatestheattention.Themenmounttheirhorsesandstandready.Thepeopleonfootgatherinawidespacenotfarfromtheshadewherethepatientsare.Eventhecookspullthemeattothesideofthefires,coversurplusfoodagainstmaraudingdogs,andstandmodestlyoutsidetheshade,handsprotectingeyes,astheywatch.Plentyoftimehasbeengivenforwarning,butsuddenlyonelargebandofhorsemenridesfiercelyupandattacksanother.Inthesecondbandistheboyholdingthetrophystick.Thereareshotsfromblankcartridgesandwarwhoops;dustrisesindensecloudsfromthecharginghoofs.VeryexcitingistheattackmadebytheSun-

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risepartyuponourswiththetrophyasbriefandmeaningfulasitisamusing.

Thehorsemencollectthemselvesleisurelyandremainmountedinathrongneartheceremonialshade.Theguestscongregatenowforanotherdistributionofgifts.ItisourturntohonortheSunriseparty.Ithoughttheyhadalargecrowdyesterdaymorning,butIfindIhadnoideawhatacrowdis.Thespacebeforethehutissofullthatthedonorscanhardlymaketheirwayinwiththeirofferings.IseeTomcarryinablanketofunusualweavewhichMariaAntoniahashadaboutforoverayear.Finallythegiftsflyoutfromthetopoftheshade.Thistimetheyarethrownhitormiss.Everybodygetssomelittlething,nobodyseemstohavealargeaccumulation.Tomtellsmehegavetheblanketwithanumberofotherthingstothemanwhogavehimthesteer.

Assoonasthelastgumdrophashadawelcomethehighlypopulatedflatquietsdown.Manygotothetrading-posthalfamileawaytotradeortowatchotherstrade.Womensettlewiththeirbabiesintheshadowoftheirwagons,athomehereasanywhere.Ifthereisshade,somuchthebetter,ifnot,theythrowtowelsovertheirheadsordrawuptheirblankets.Thesunishot,andafiercewindisblowing;blanketsformabulwarkagainstdriftingsand.

Itseemsnowthatnothingisgoingon.Iknow,however,frompreviousexperiencethatthismorningariteofgreatimportancetothepatients,andasfarastheyareindividuallyconcerned,theirlastone,istobeperformed.IaskTomtotellmewhenthe"blackening"istobedone.Hesoonwarnsme,andIrepairtothesmallopenshadeoutsidetheceremonialshelter.IexpecttofindMariaAntoniahereattendedbywomen,butsheisnotinsight.Ninesitformallyinasemi-

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circle,inthecenterofwhichisthelittlegirlholdingthetrophy.Imotionforpermissiontositdownatthecorneroftheshade,forthereissilencewhenIarrive.Thewomenbegintotalkquietly.SincetheyarefromSunriseonlyoneknowsaboutme,noneisacquaintedwithme.Thisoneexplainsmypresence,"SheisRed-Point'sgranddaughter.SheisjustlikeaNavajo."Whereuponallsmilebenignlyuponme.

Onceinawhileamanbringsoutsomegreasewhichthetrophy-bearerrubsoveraparticularpartofherfaceoranatomy,orsomeherbmedicinewhichshemustchewordrink.Hermotherinstructsherhowtouseeachandisintolerantofslownessorofcarelessnessinholdingthetrophystick.Inaboutanhourwarningcomesfromtheshade,andthewomenallpulltheirblanketsovertheireyes.AnoldmannearlyblindemergesandlimpsfalteringlytotheeastsofarthatIcanseeonlythathemovesinafumblingway,notwhatheisdoing.Thenthepatientscomeout,one,two,three,four,blackenedoutofallsemblancetothemselves,blackenedthustokeeptheghostsfromrecognizingthem.Thismedicineisdangerousindeed,andanattendantbidsmebendmycurioushead,covermyshiftingeyes.Thepatientsgototheeastandreturn.Theydress,andtheriteisended.Theywillkeepthecharcoalonfortwodaysbeforetheymaywash.

LaterIaskMariewhyhermotherwasblackenedintheceremonialshadewiththemen."AlwayswhenIsawthisbefore,themenwereinsideandwomenblackenedthewomenunderablanketintheoutsideshade."

"Thatisbecauseoneofthemenwasmarried,"shereplies."Thismanisnotmarried,soitisallrightforalltobeblackenedinsidetogether.Hisfirstwifedied,andhedoesnotlivewithhissecondanymore."

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Inotealsothatthissingomittedthe"naming."Ifpeoplewanttohavesacrednameswhichtheyhavegiventotheirchildrenbestowedthuspublicly,theoldmanmayshoutthemashepointstotheeastandtheyareanadditionalaidindrivingoutthealienghost.

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XXXIMarie'sLittleLambOrdinarilytheafternoonofthethirddayisgivenovertoentertainmentofsomekind.Itmaybecurativeclowning,aswhentheBlackEarsactfoolishandtossintotheairsuchpatientsascomeforaid.Theyperformrarely,butMarietoldmetheywoulddancetheirMudDancetoday.Horseracesandotherfieldsportsarethemostcommondiversions,althoughtheremayevenbeaGirls'Dance.Theguestsappearwiththeiraccustomedregularityatthecookingshadeabouttwelveo'clock.Withtheirusualprecisiontheyeattoo,heartily,butsomewhatmorehastilythanusual.Theyounghuskiesomittheirsecondtable,andbeforelongtheplacelookscomparativelydeserted.IannouncethatIamgoingtoGanado,andWhite-Haired-WomanpersuadesmetotakeherandabunchofherfriendstothecelebrationatWater-in-the-Groundoppositethetrading-post.Thereistobeadedicationofanewdayschoolandacommunityassemblyhall.ItishardlyoutofmywayandIconsent,butIamonlyloadingupwhenMarie,lookinghurt,mentionsimploringlythattheywantedtogo,too.

"Ididnotknowit,"Iapologize,"andIhavealreadypromisedthesewomen.Iwillrunthemover.Yougetyourcrowdtogether,andI'llcomebackforyou."

Idoso,andwelandatthecommunityhousewithallthe

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womenandchildrenJonathancanholdtofindMariaAntoniaandthefourteen-year-oldboythere,too.Someonebroughttheminawagon.Thereisahugetemporarydining-shade,fornocelebrationwouldbeunderstoodbytheNavajoiffoodwereabsent.Thereasontheyoungbladesboltedourfoodisthattheydonotwanttoinsulttheirhostsbyneglectingthisfeastinanyway.SinceitisrunbytheGovernment,thereisacensusofmen,women,andchildrenfed,anditreads2,500.Aswewaitforthemess-shadetodisgorgeitsvisitors,manydoublyreplete,Mariewhisperstomeconfidentiallyinavoiceofdeepindignation,"Ifoundmypetlamboverhere."

Surprisedbutamused,Iask,"Buthowdiditgethere?"

"Thatoldwomanbroughtitwithher.Shejusttookitfromourshade.Ifwehadn'tcomehereIwouldneverhavegotitback."

"Itisluckywedid,isn'tit?"Ireplyrhetorically,asIdismisstheincidentinmyinterestintherugexhibit.

Iseeanoldfriendofminewhousedtobemyinterpreter.Heisbusyorganizingadanceheintendstoputonafterthespeeches.Asheopensadoorofthecommunityhouse,InoticehistroupeiswearingshirtswhichareimitationsofthebuckskinshirtsofthePlainsIndians.Theirheadsaregayandheavywithfeatherbonnets.Thinking,"Ettu,Brute!"IturntoMarie."IamgoingtoGanado.Iknowwhatthisentertainmentwillbelike,andtonighttherewillbeonlytheGirls'Dance.IwillbebackearlyMondaytotakemygrandmotherhome,"Ipromise,confirmingaprevioussomewhatnoncommittalagreement.

"Allright,"shesmiles,andIamoff.

LessthanamilefromWater-in-the-GroundIleavebehindthehotsandblownontostickysweatingskin,thethick

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aimlesscrowdsandthemonotonyofthreedaysofceremony.TrafficisheavytodayonourroadandImeetsixcarsandtrucksaltogether,allboundforthecelebration.Thisnumberinfifteenmilesdoesnotmakemefeelatallcramped,andIdriveonthinkingthoughtstotherhythmofthemotor.Ihavecoveredaboutsixmiles,andIhavenoticednolivingthinginsightsinceIloose-herdedoursheep,whichwerecrossingtheroadseveralmilesback.Ihear,asifdirectlyundermywheels,aninsistent,plaintive,slightlyaggrieved"Wähähä!"Penetratingitis,startling,evenghostlike.Ihavebeenbuzzingalongthoughtlessofmydriving;IhadsupposedIwasautomaticaboutityearserethis."CouldIhaveheedlesslyrunoveralamb?"IthinkasIjamonthebrakesandcometoadeadstopsomefeetfromwhereIheardthecry.

Ilookback,seenothingdead,dying,orrollingintheroad.Ievengetouttoinspectmorethoroughly.Thereisnothing.AtthemomentItrytoconvincemyselftherecannotpossiblybeghosts,IthinkofMarie'srescueofherlambandturntotherearseat.AsIliftupatarpaulinwhichhastakenanelevatedpositionIexclaim,"Oh!Areyouhere?"andMarie'slambanswerspiercingly,"Wähähä!"

AllaloneasIam,Iburstintoaseriesofheartychuckleswhichfollowoneanotherinevermorerapidanddeepeningsuccession.Whattodowithalamb?Bythistimemymindhaspassedthemouse-trapstage.Mynextthoughtis,"WhatwouldMariedo?"Simpleenoughshe'dtakeitalong.SowillI.TheranchIamvisitingfortheweek-endisfulloflivethingswhatisonemore?Abitofalfalfaandapanofwaterinavacantturkey-penwhatmoredoesalambneed?

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XXXIITragedyOnSundayOld-Mexican's-Sonishomewithhisbrother,Big-Mexican.TheyhadcomebywayofWater-in-the-Groundaboutmidnight,andlikeallgoodNavajotheyhadstoppedatthesing.Insteadofmonotonousdancingandalargejestingaudiencetheyhadfoundaseriouscouncilofmanymen.Talkbackandforth,forthandback,alwayscontrolledbutinanatmospherechargedwithdeepemotion.Afterthecelebrationofthewhitepeoplethecrowdshadincreased;besideswagonsandhorsementhereweremanyautomobiles.Aboutnineo'clockalargeonehadturnedaroundinawellwornautotrackandhadunknowinglyrunoveraNavajo,Little-Singer,whohadchosenthatparticularspotinwhichtoliedownandgotosleep.Probablyhehadnotchosenit.Hewasjusttherewhenhewantedtosleep,andsohelaydown.

Hewasnotkilled.Hushedexcitementattendedthecallingoftheambulanceandthetransportingoftheinjuredmanfifteenmilestothehospital.Severalhoursafter,theguestsconvenedto"talkitover."Aninjuryoradeathisbadenoughatanytimeorunderanycircumstance,butforsuchathingtohappenatasingheldsothat"allmightberestored"thisisincredible,abadomen,thebitterestblowfatecandeal.

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Theorthodoxaccusedtheyoungsophisticatesofcausingitbecausetheydancedthosestepsinthesummer.''Theyshouldonlybedancedinthewinter,andthatisthecauseofthismisfortune.Anywaywehavetoomanywhiteinnovations.Automobilesarebad,butwearegettingtoomanyofthem.Theyareboundtobringdisaster."

Theyoungeducatedmendefendedthemselvesreasonably:"YoudancethedancesoftheNightChantyourselvesattheCeremonial,andthesnakesarenotfrozenupthen,foritisonlyAugust.Andifyouaregoingtodoawaywitheverythingyougetfromthewhitemanyouwillhavetogiveupallyoursilver,yoursheep,andevenyourhorses.Wegotallofthemfromthewhites.Besidesitisn'tasifsomeonesaid,'Don'tdoit.'Nobodysaidanything."

"Andsotheargumentwenton,"reportmyfriends."Youknowthosefellowscancertainlybringouttheirpointswell."

"Theysurelydo,"Ianswer."Butwhatconclusiondidtheycometo?"

"Howcouldtheycometoany?Theoldmenstillbelievethebreakdownofcustomisthecauseofalldisaster;theyoungonesdonotbelieveit.It'stheoldstory."

OnMondaymorningIgotoWater-in-the-Ground,makingaslightdetourtodepositthelambinRed-Point'sshade.IfindMarie'swagonatthetrading-post.Shetellsmehermotherisillbackthereontheotherwagon.Thisisnotjust"notfeelinggood."Thereistensionintheveryair.MariesaysAngelaiswithher,andifIwilltakehermotherhomeshecanrestbetter.IfindMariaAntoniarecliningagainstapileofsheepskinsandquiltsinAtlnaba'swagon,feelingtoowretchedforeventhefaintestsmile.Shehasabadheadache;

AVeryLittleGirlonaVeryLargePlayground

TwoofmySistersandmyGirlChildren

TheFifteen-FootLoom

Hastin-Gani's-WifeAttachestheWarpCurls

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hercoughisalarming;aknifestabsatherleftside,sometimeseventurnsoverslightly.

Angelahelpsherintothefrontseatofthecar,andwebundleherupinquilts.HowmanytimesinthelastfewdaysIhavebowledalongthisroadconsideringitfairlysmooth,excellentindeedasroadsgoouthere!NowasIdriveascarefullyasIcanitseemstomeeachtinystoneisaboulder,eachgrooveajoltingrut.IrealizethetortureMariaAntoniaisgoingthrough,andIcandonothingtopreventit.Inaninterminablehalf-hourwearebackattheshade.TenderlyAngelahelpshergrandmotherandmakesherascomfortableaspossibleonhersheepskinbed.Djiba,asfriskyasever,wondersathergrandmother'slackofresponsetohermanydiversionsbutdoesnotcease,infactincreases,hereffortstoattractattention.

Iretiretomyownbower,worriedbuthelpless.Angelastrugglestomakedinneroutofnothing.SoonDjibawalksasbrisklyandpurposefullyasAtlnabatomyabode.Sheclutchesinhertinyhandanote:"Willyoupleasegiveusamatch?Angela."Iwrapafewinthenote,giveheranorange,andoffshegoes,herlittlefullskirtswishingtotherhythmofherdiminutivebarefeet,herbrightfacesetinthedirectionofherimportanterrand.

OnTuesdayIgototheshadetoseehowmygrandmotheris.Sheisworse."Hasshebeensickatherstomachsinceshegothome?"

"No,"answersMarie,"itwasjustfromthejoltingofthecar,Iguess."

Red-PointisgladIcame.Theyaretalkingoveraplan.

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"Youseewecan'tpossiblytakehertothehospital.Little-Singerdiedthereyesterdayafternoon."

Iamshocked.Iunderstandperfectlywhymygrandmothercannotgothere.Aplacewhereonediesiscontaminated,andifanyonegoesthere,heputshimselfinthewayoftheworst.Iknow,too,asdotheyall,althoughtheydonotsayit,thatLittle-Singeristhefourthpersontodieatthehospitalwithinaweek.AfterconsideringtheimplicationsIsuggest,"Butcouldthedoctorcomeheretoseeher?"

"Yes,myfathersaysthatwouldbeallright."

"Doeshewanttogodownandgethim?Ifso,I'lltakehim,"Ioffer.

"HewantstogoovertowardCornfieldstogetamantosing.HesingstheKnifeChantandhecuredmymothertwicebeforewhenshewaslikethis."

SecretlyIdemur,asIsuggestthatwestoptogetthedoctorontheway.Red-Pointagrees,butsomewhathesitatingly.ItakehimfirsttoOld-Mexican's-Son,whopersuadeshim,afteralittletalk,togetthedoctor.Aswedrivenearerthehospital,Red-Point,thisstaunchindependentveteranoflife'swars,sinksinhisseat.AsIstopbeforethedoor,heisfairlycringing.Horses,warriors,shotsheisbraveenoughtoface,butthisthing,Death!Hisonlytechniqueforitisavoidance.Idonotevengoinbutcalloutmyquestion.Thedoctorisnotthere.Perhapsheisathishouse,andIhastilydrivemygrandfatherawayfromthishousethatstrikeshimwithterror.Wedonotgofar,notevenofftheMissioncampus,beforeheregainshiscomposure.

Now,afterusingallourpowersofpersuasiontryingtoforceourmedicineuponhimcontrarytohisconfirmedbelief,Ispendforty-fiveminutessearchingwithinaspaceoftwo

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acresforthatdoctor.Thereisagirlinchargehere,shedoesnotknowwhereheis.Anotherisinchargeoftheoffice,phones,anddoesnotknow.Nooneevenknowswhomightknow.ItwouldmakeagreatdifferenceinmydecisionifIknewwhetherhewouldbebackintenminutes,forty-five,ornotuntildark.AsIfailineachinquirytogetanysatisfactionwhatsoever,Red-Pointbecomesvisiblymorecheerful.

FinallyIgiveupassomeonementionsthattodayistheFourthofJuly.Perhapsthedoctorisawayforthedaysinceitisaholiday.GrimlyIreflectonthecircumstancethathere,asinthecityIcomefrom,onemustgetsickbetweentenandfiveofaMonday,Tuesday,Wednesday,Thursday,orFriday.LethimwhogetshislungspiercedinthenightoronaSaturday,Sunday,orholidaylooktohisownfate.BythetimeIhavegivenup,Red-Pointhashimselfandthesituationinhandoncemore.Isurrendertohim.IdrivehimtothehomeofhisKnifeChanter.

Heisnothomeeither,buthiswifeknowswhereheis,justabouttorideoutofsightunderyondercliff.Red-Pointwhoopsandmotions.Inatwinklinghehasturnedhishorse,andinnotimeheisback.Red-Pointexplainshiserrand,slipssomemoneyintohishand.Hedismounts,dartsintohishoganforhisbundlewhichhiswifehasalreadyreacheddownfromitsnail,andinlessthantenminutesweareonourwaybacktoRed-Point's.

Atthreeo'clocktheKnifeChanterbeginstosing.MariaAntoniahashighfever,andshecanhardlybreathebecauseofthepaininherside.Thereisnosuntoday;theskyisdark,andastrongwindisblowing.Theceremonialactsareneithernewnorelaborate.Therearenosand-paintings.Butbeforeanythingelseisdone,MariaAntoniamustbatheand

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shampooherhairintheyuccasuds.Thebasketispreparedwithitsattractivefoam,itsfivepollencrossesandcircleofyellow.Thereisquitealargeexpanseofcleansandbehindit,andonittheChanterhasdescribedfourlittlecrossesofyellowpollen.

Hebidsherwalkaroundthebasketonitssandfoundationfromeasttosouthtowesttonorth,placingeachfootinadesignatedspot.Sheissoweakshestaggersandcannotstepcarefully.Ialmostcryoutasshegoeson,noonehelpingher,andfinallyfallstoherkneesonthesand.Shegoesthroughwiththeshampoo,untiesherownhairstring,astheChanterandMariehelpher.Herhairiswetasthecoldwind,touchedwithafewdropsofrain,blowsthroughtheshade.

NoonecouldbegentlerormoretenderthanMarieasshefinallyhelpshermothertoherbedandwrapsherupwhenthebathingisover,andtheChantercontinueshissteadysingingtotheaccompanimentofhisdeerhoofrattle.Angelawarmsapieceofoutingflannelatthefireandwrapsitaroundhergrandmother'sfeet.Theyarenotcruel;theirpityisaspoignantasmine.Thesingmustbedoneproperly,ifatall;thedetailsofitarenomorecruelthanthesurgeon'sscalpel.Noonewouldrushinandgrabitfromhim;itisjustasunthinkablefortheprofanetostepintothecornerofthehutwhereonlypatientandChantershouldbe.

Thissing,evenmorethantheothers,furnishesopportunityaswellasfoodforsobermeditation.Hereisnofeastwithmerrimentandsociability.Thisisamattertobecomparedwiththedoctor'ssitting,watchinhand,ashecountsthebeatsofavacillatingpulse.Mysympathyhasrunthegamutfromtheweakestsortofpitytobitternessatnotfindingthe

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doctor,fromgrimfatalismatbeingcompelledtofetchtheChantertothemostabjectfutilityatwatchingMariaAntoniashampooingherhairinthatwind.ItnowflaresintofeverishangerwhichdiesdownindespairasIseeherrestoncemoredisturbed,whensheisforcedbythetenetsofthecuretositupwhiletheChanterblowsmedicinepineleavesfloatingonwateronhersidewherethepaintormentsher.

"Afterall,"Iaskmyself,"isthismorefutilethantheadministrationofoxygenortheshotofadrenalin,eachofwhichisahopeagainsthope?"

Butthisisonlyrationalizing,forafterallwedohaveachancetocurepneumonia,andIamsurethatiswhatmygrandmotherhas.

Theafternoonsingingwithverylittlebusinesslastsalittleovertwohours.Intheeveningitbeginsabouteight.Onemustnotgotosleepinaplacewithasickperson;thechildrenarecarefullyexcluded.Onemaynotcomeinwhilethesingingisinprogress,butonemaygooutwhenaparticularsongisfinishedandereanotherhasbegun.Igooutduringalongintermission.FrommybedIheartheburdenandtherattleuntilaftermidnight.

NextmorningMariesayshermotherisalittlebetter.MybitternessmellowstofatalistictoleranceasIhopeMariaAntoniamayrecover."Twiceatleastbeforeshehassurvivednotonlythediseasebutthetreatment.Sheisunbelievablywiry;perhapsshewillagain.Evenifthedoctorhadcome,whatgoodcouldhehavedone?Hewouldhaveorderedcompleterest.Theywouldhavethesinganyway,andwhathopecouldhehaveofsuccessforhistreatment?Ifshedoesnotgetoverthis,atleasthewillnotbeblamed.Theyarefollowing

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theirowncreed.Whicheverwaythebalanceswings,theywillbebettersatisfiedso."

Red-PointhaspromisedtosingforamanatBlackMountain.Hehascompleteconfidenceinhisfriend,KnifeChanter,whowillsingforfournights.Hegoesofftoattendtohisownduties.

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XXXIIIDeathTheWarDancehaskeptmelongerthanIhadplannedtostay.OnThursdayIleaveMariaAntoniawithgravemisgivings.Iamgonesomethingoverthreeweeks,duringwhichsheiscontinuallyonmymind.ImeetsomeonefromGanadoatGallup,buthedoesnotknowhowsheis,wastoobusytoask,neverthoughtofit.AtlengthtowardtheendofmyabsenceIreceiverelieftomyanxietyfrommyfriendLittle-Woman."MariesaysMariaAntoniaisbetter."ConsoledIsaytomyself,"Sheisatoughoneallright."

InafewdaysIreturntoGanado,andLittle-Womantellsme,"MariaAntoniadiedatthehospitallastnight."

"Idonotknowwhattodo.Doyou?"Iaskmywhitefriend,Big-Woman."DoyouknowwhatNavajodoatadeath?TheonlythingIcanthinkofistogoupandseethem."

"Yes,theywillwanttoseeyou,"sheanswers."Iwillgowithyou.Weshallhavetocrywiththem."

Beforedarkwego.WemeetCurley's-Sononhishorse.Solemnlyheshakeshandswithbothofus.Wedonotsaymuch,butwecanseehissorrow;anditisevidentthatheunderstandsours.WefindallbutTominRed-Point'sshade,justsittinginagrief-strickenassemblage.Theoldwoman

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whowasapatientwithMariaAntoniaattheWarDanceishere,andIwonderifthereisaceremonialreason.IgotothebackofthefirewhereRed-Pointissitting,thrustoutmyhandtograsphis.Hegentlypullsmedown,soIamkneeling,layshisheadonmyshoulder,andbreaksintosobs.AllIcansayinthoselongminutes,is,''Mygrandfather,mygrandfather!"

Theyareallcryingquietlybythistime,andatlastImoveovertoMarieasmyfriendweepswithRed-Point.Puttingherheadonmybreast,Mariesobs:"Oh,mysister,Iamsogladtoseeyou!Wherehaveyoubeen?"

"I'mbacknow,"Iassureherasshecontinuestoweepbitterlyforperhapsfiveminutes.

InturnI"crywith"AtlnabaandNinaba,lesslongwithBenWilson'swife,whomIdonotknowsowell,andIfinallytakeaplacerightnexttomygrandfather.Tomnowcomesin,quietlyshakeshandswithus,andweallsitsilent.Ihavecigarettes,butIhesitatetobreakintothequiet.Fortwentyperhapsitisonlytenminuteswesitthere,thetearsgraduallylessening,sniffleseventuallysubsiding.ItisDjibawhobreaksthechargedsilence.Inherseriousbusinesslikemannerwhichhasmorethanonceremindedmeofhergrandmother,shegetsup,bustlestothewoodpile,andplacesahugepieceofwoodonthecoals.

Red-Pointbreaksintoalaugh,andweallsmileatoneanother.Hegetsouthissmokes,Ihavemineready."Itisveryhardforus,"hebeginsintheexactveinIhaveheardfromwhitepeople."Wedideverythingwecould,butnothingseemedtohelp."

MyfriendandIagreethathedideverythinghepossiblycould.Hegoeson."Wewantyoutotellthewhitepeople

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thatwearethankfulforeverythingtheydidforus.Old-Mexican's-Sonandthepeopleatthehospital,theydidalltheycould,andweappreciateit.Thepeopleatthehospitalburiedherforus.Andtheydiditquicktoo,andwearegladforthat.Besureandtellthemhowthankfulwefeelforalltheydid."

Marieexplains:"Weweredownatthehospitalwithmymotheruptothetimeshedied.Shediedjustbeforemidnight.Youknowafteradeathnobodyinthefamilyeatsuntilafterthebodyisburied."

"Whattimewassheburied?"Iask.

"Wecouldeatateight,"saysMariewiththesamesatisfactionawhitemighttakeinacarloadofflowersorasilvercasket.Theyhavefriends;theirfriendshavedoneforthemtheservicetheymostdread,andtheyhavedoneitspeedily.TheNavajo,ifhecanmanageitinanyway,leavesthelastritestosomeoneelse,anyonewhowillperformthem.

"IwasterriblyshockedwhenIgothere.JustafewdaysagoLittle-Womanhadwrittenmethatshewasbetter.AndIwassogladtohear.EversinceIleftIwasworried.NobodyIaskedinGallupknew.Ididn'tseeOld-Mexican's-Son.ThenIwasmuchrelievedatthegoodnews."

"Shewaswell,youknow,"Mariecontinues."Shewassoshecouldwalkaround.ThatKnifeChantersangforfourdaysandnights,andhecuredher.ThentheyhadthatMaleShootingChantoveratSage-Woman's,andmyfatherthoughtitwouldbegoodiftheysangovermymother,too.Andshewasallright.Butthenshecamehome,anditrained;andshegotwet.Thenshegotsickagainthesameway.Myfatherwantedtohaveanothersing,butshesaid,'No!'Afterthatshewashopeless,shedidn'tthinkshe'dgetwellanymore."

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"Wasshewillingtogotothehospital?"

"Yes,butshedidnotbelievetheycouldhelpher."

"Whatdidthedoctorsayshehad?"

"Pneumonia."

"Ithoughtso."

"But,"expostulatesMarie,"shegotoverthatsicknessshehadwhenyouwerehere.Ithinkshewouldhavebeenallright,ifshehadn'tgotwetthattimeafterthesing."

Red-Pointtakestheflooragain."Iwaswaitingaroundthestorethismorning.Everybodywhocamein,Indiansandwhitesalike,toldmewhatagoodwomanshewas,quiet,industrious,hadgoodsense."

"Shecertainlywas,"chimeBig-WomanandIinchorus."Everybodyhadgreatrespectforher."

"Idon'tknowwhatthosechildrenaregoingtodo,"hespeculates."Youknowshewasraisingthethree,Ninaba,Dan,andDjiba."Thisinthepresenceoftheirparents!"Theymissheranawfullot.Butwealldo."

"Wearesogladyoucame,"saysMarie."Wedidn'tknowwhereyouwere.Mymotherwasconsciousuptothelast.Shewouldopenhereyesandknowus.Themorningbeforeshediedsheaskedforyou.HaveyouseenAngela?Doessheknow?Sheaskedforher,too."

"No,IjusthearditmyselfwhenIgothereafterfouro'clock."

Weleavefinally,Ipromisingtomovebackinafewdays.AswedrivebackIgrumbletomyfriend:"Iwassureshehadpneumonia.Itseemsshehashaditbefore.Ithoughtshewasveryill,butIremembered

howhardyshewasandhopedshecouldgetoverthis.There'salimittowhatanyonecan

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stand.EvenifthedoctorhadbeenhomeontheFourthofJulyhecouldn'thavekeptthemfromhavingthesesings."

"Andgettingwetinthatrain!Theretheyarewithoutahouse,"sheadds.

"Yes,andtheyhavefourperfectlygoodhogansoveratWhite-Sands,yettheyliveintheseshades,withnorealprotection.Idon'tunderstandit.IalwaysusedtothinktheNavajoleftaplaceofdeathbecausetheywereafraidofit;butthatcannotbethecase.Theygobacknearlyeverydaytogetsomething;sometimestheystayalongtime.Therearefourchickensthere,andtheyfeedthemregularly.Tomsaidtheyweregoingtomovethehogansoverhere,buttheyhaven'tevenstartedyet."

"Ofcourse,theyhavebeenmuchupsetallsummer,firstbythelittlegirl'sdeathandnowbyMariaAntonia'sillness.Itisalotoftroubleforonefamily.Itseemsoftentohappenlikethat,"concludesthissympatheticlady,whoseownfamilyhassufferedblowafterblowofthesamekind.

Icontinuewithmyintoleranceofdeath."Anotherthingis,theyneverthinkofsuchathingasrestorconvalescence.Theythinkifapersoncanwalkaround,she'swell.Thesamewaytheyneverseethatsomebody'ssick,untilshe'sdead.IsupposeassoonasMariaAntoniawantedtowalkaroundandcook,theylether.Iwouldn'tevenbesurprisedifshegatheredwood.Notthatshe'dhaveto,butyouknowhowshewas."

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XXXIVCollectingPlantsThetroubleinRed-Point'sfamily,thecontinualneedforhimtosingforothershasmademedespairofhisadviceincollectingtheplantsnecessaryforthevegetaldyes.AtlnabaandMarieknowhowtheyaremadeandwhatisusedonlyinthemostgeneralway.Muchtravelwillbenecessarytosecuretheneededsupplies.Thereasonblanketsdyedwithnaturaldyesaresofewisthatthematerialsarescarceanddifficulttoobtain.Now,too,theUnitedStatesGovernmenthasbegunto"liftthedepression."ThewayitplanstodosofortheNavajoistohavethemworkatmakingdamsandonotherwater-conservingprojects.Therearetoomanyhandlaborersinproportiontowagonsandteams.ConsequentlyTom,Curley's-Son,andBenWilsondecidetotaketheirteamsandgetworkforthemselves.ThismeansthattheyareawayfromhomefromMondaymorningtoFridaynight.Itmeansthattheusualefficiencyofthehouseholdiscutdownandthewomenhavetodoalltheworktheirownandthatusuallydonebythemenandhorses.Mysistersmustthereforestayathomewhereasformerlytheywerereasonablyfreetogoawayiftheywished.

Isecureasaninterpreteragirlwhohastwo-months-oldtwins.Shewantstogowithme;sheknowssomeofthedyes;hermotherwilltakecareofthebabies.Westartonthecolors

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madefromplantswhichgrownearherhouse.Wespendamorningcollectingleaves,stems,andflowers.Wepoundthemonasmoothwoodenstumpandbrewthemoverthefire.Attheendofthedaywehavefourshades,twoofyellowmadefromdifferentplants,twoofpinkishbrown,allsatisfactory.

Wearefilledwithambitionatoursuccessandplanthenextdaytogofartherafieldforararerplantwhichmakesthesoftpinktan,myfavoritecolor.ThestepfatheroftheTwins'-Motherhastolduswherethemountainmahoganygrows,andwewillgoforit.Buttodayasuddenheavyrainhasalmostruinedourdyes,boilingovertheoutdoorfire.Bydintofcoaxingwehavesavedthem,buttheworldhasbecomemuddy.Westartoutnextdayinthedirectionourmentorgaveus,planningtostopatHastin-Gani'shoganformoredetailedinformation.ThispointisabouteightmilesfromthehouseoftheTwins'-Mother.Werideeagerlyalonginthecrystalairclearedbytheshowerofthepreviousdayandsuddenlycometoaharmless-lookingmudpuddleintheroad.Jonathanhasgonethroughworsebefore;hegoesintothisandstays.

TheTwins'-MotherandIworkforabouttwohourswhenagirlcomesfromanear-byhogan.ShespeaksperfectEnglishandgivesadviceaboutbacking,goingforward,usingsagebrush,andthepoleswehavefound.Shefinallyaskswherewearegoing."ToHastin-Gani's.""Thisisn'ttheroadtoHastin-Gani's,"shetellsus."Youshouldhavetakenthatone."Andshepointstoadrypleasantroadafewyardstoourleft.

Threehoursofmylanguage,thepatienceoftheTwins'-Mother,theadviceofthestrangegirl,andthehardworkofusallseeusoutofthemudholeandonourwaytoHastin-Gani's,whichisonlyaquarterofamileaway.Wegeta

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heartylaughasweenterthehouse,forwearecoveredwithredmudfromheadtofootandthereisnoportionofJonathanunblemished.Asweeatourlunch,theTwins'-Mothersayssheisnotsurewherethemountainmahoganyis;shedoesnotknowexactlywhatitlookslike;weshouldhavetoclimbalongwayonfoottogettoitaccordingtoHastin-Gani's-Wife'sinstructions.Itispasttwobythistimeandcloudsarethreateninginthedirectionwherethemountainmahoganypurportstobe.Wearebothexhausted.Isurmisethisfactistherealreasonforherexcuses.Sowedecidetoturnback.

UnavoidableinterruptionsduetotheConservationwork,theweather,andthemaritaldifficultiesoftheTwins'-Motherpreventusforaweekfromanotherattemptatthemountainmahogany.Butherexcusesthefirstdaywerereal,andshehasnowsecuredhelpwhichwillmakeuscertainofgettingourroots.Shemakesanagreementwithherstepfathertomeetusonagivendayatadesignatedplaceontheroadwemusttravel.Heherdssheepthereandwillleavehishorse,accompanyus,digtheroots,anddropoffthecaragainonthewayback.Onthatdaywestartoutanew.Wehavewithusapickandapickaxaswellasasupplyofcoffee,sugar,androastedprairiedog,suppliesforthefather,nottospeakoflunchforusall.

ThecheerfulNavajomeetsusaccordingtohispromise.Wetraveltwentymilesoveraroadmuchroughenedbyrainandneverrepaired,untilwecometotheedgeofNazliniCañon,wherewestopandsurveytheworld.Ourguidepointsoutplacesinthefarandnearerdistanceandtellsussomeoftheirhistory.Atourfeetarecañon-desertplantsandshrubs,andhetellsusaboutthese.Thereisabushthatlooksmuchlikethemountainmahoganybutisnot.Thisisveryplentiful.

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Andhereisthesoft-gray-leaved,yellow-floweredplanttheNavajocall"cactus-cleaner."Itgrowsnearthepricklypear,andincontrastwithitissoftasakitten'sfur.HeshowsushowtheNavajopluckafewspraysofthisplant,brushthetipslightlyoverthecactusfruitandarethenabletopluckitwithnofearofgettingthornsinthefingers.

Thereisthearomaticsumac,usedwithanotherplanttomakeblackdyeandsomewhatrare.Thiswegather,forwedonotknowwhenweshallcomeuponitagain.Itakesamplesoftheotherplantstoo,oneatinyyellow-flowered"medicine"withapleasantfragrancecalled"breeze-through-rock."TheNavajosaythatifthisisheldatthesideofatwenty-orthirty-footsandstoneboulder,theodorwillpenetratetotheoppositesideofitatonceandintwentyorthirtyminutesthewholerockwillberedolent."Interesting,"sayItomyself,"butwhoexceptaNavajowouldmakethatsortofobservation?''

Thereisjustoneclumpofmountainmahoganyhere,sowegobacktoaplacewhereitgrowsthickoneachsideofasmallgulch.The"real"andthe"false"growsoclosetogetherthatittakestheTwins'-Motherandmealittletimetodifferentiatethemwithourunpractisedeyes.Herfather,however,shouldersthepickaxandgetstowork.Hevigorouslydigstherootsfornearlyanhour,whenhereturnswithasackful.Theyvaryfromhairthicknesstoaboutthreeorfourinchesindiameterandappearasdullbrownwithspotsofbrightrose.TheyresemblemanzanitabarkmorethananythingIhaveeverseen.

Ipreservethespecimenswehavecollectedinmyplantpressaswewait.Whenourbootyissecure,thelaborersrestoverlunchandcigarettes.Thisdayhasbeensuccessful.

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Ihavedecidedtocollectallourmaterials,andaftertheyareassembledtospendthenecessarytimemakingthedyes.Weshallneedagreatdealofwaterandwood,anditwillbemoreefficienttomakeseveralkindsofdyesatonce.WehavelocatedsomeoftheplantsweneednotfarfromWhite-Sands;thesewecangatherwheneverwewish.

OnedayWhite-Haired-White-Womancomestothetrading-post.ShehasbeeninterestedinthedyesforalongtimeandtellsmetocometowhereshestaysatBlackMountain,whereherinterpreterwillinstructus.LikeShort-PantsandLittle-Man-with-the-Spectaclesshefurnishesmeashortcuttoinformation.Sofarwehaveneverbeenawayfromhomeovernight.Althoughthetwins'grandmotherwillcareforthem,Idonotknowhowtheirmotherwillfeelaboutleavingthem.Ibroachthesubject,andshesaysquietly,"Perhapswecantakeonealong."AfterallweliveastheNavajodo.Thebabysecuresitsnourishmentpartlyfromitsmother,partlyfromcannedmilkwhichisjustthesameatBlackMountainashere.Wewilltryit.

Thisisthebeginningofourtravelswiththebaby.Theonlyextrabaggageitrequiresisasmallcorrugatedcardboardboxforits"clothes,"andasmalllardkettleinwhichitsmothercarriesthefewthingsnecessarytofeedit.Thebabyhimselfistiedtohiscradleboard,whichhismotherholdsonherlap.Asthedaypassesandwejostleandjerkoversharp-cutwashesandthroughluckilythemuddyones,hesleeps.Wefeedhimatlunchtimeandhesleepsagain.Thereisaperiodoffivehoursduringwhichheneverwhimpers,putsinallhisenergyinsleepingandgrowing.

AtBlackMountainwelearnfromthehusbandofafamousdyerthematerialssheusesandthewaytheyarecom-

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bined.AlloftheplantsandmordantsinseasonareeasiertogetatWhite-Sandsthanhere.Wecangonearerthesourceofsupplywiththecar.Someplantscanbeusedonlyinthespring,thosewecannotgetanyway.Sowithourformulæcarefullycherishedwereturnhome.

Hastin-Gani's-Wifehastoldusthatherdaughtermakesthe"vegetabledye"blanketsandthatmostofthenecessarymaterialsarefoundnearherhouseattheHaystacks.Wesetoutonaday'sexcursion,forthisisnearthe"highway"thatrunstoGallup.WegofirsttoHastin-Gani'shousetoseeifanyofhisfamilywanttogowithus.Theyallwanttogo.Buthiswifecannotbecausesheisracingwithtimeatherweaving.Wetakehimandadaughterandason.Wecometohisdaughter'shousebutdrawupontheoppositesideofadeepwidewash,forthebridgehasbeenwashedout.

Hastin-Ganicrossesthewashandinvestigates,findsnooneathome.Hesuggeststheymaybeinthefieldaboutamileback.Wegobacktothetemporarycrossing,andaswereturnontheoppositesidemypassengersseeawomanandaboywalkingabouthalfamileaway.Wehailthemandtheyturnouttobethewomanwearelookingforandherson.Theywereontheirwaytoabaseballgame.Theyareoverjoyedtoseetheirfamily;weaddthemtoourcapacityloadandreturntothedaughter'shouse.Itisonthesideofabroadravineshadedbyunusuallylargepiñonsandjunipers.Thehouseisasattractiveinsideasout,cleanandneatasapin.Thedaughtersetsimmediatelyaboutmakingafireandparingpotatoes.Wehavebroughtourlunch,andshegraciouslyacceptsittoaddtowhatsheisserving.AsthepotatoessizzleintheDutchovenandthecoffeecomestoaboil,sheshowsushersuppliesofrootsandmordantsandexplainshowtheyare

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usedandwhereshefindsthem.Theplantsdonotgrowinmanyplaces.Thedepositsofthemordant,whichisamineraladdedtomakethedyefast,arefew,butwheretheydooccuritisplentiful.

Becausethemordantisfoundfardownthecañon,butmoreparticularlybecausethewoman'shusbandconsidersthedepositasakindofsecretandindividualpossession,ashealoneofthefamilyknowswhereitis,Iaskhertosendmeasupplyofeachthingweneed.Sheagreestodosobutgivesusalargesackofdockroot,themostdesirableoftheplantsformakingyellow.ShewantstogowithusasfarasSt.Michael'stotheballgame,abouttwomiles.WetakeheronlytofindthatthegameisbeingplayedatFortDefiance.Allright!Shewillreturnwithustohermother'sandhelpherwithherweaving!

IshallnotbesatisfieduntilIknowhowtheHopimaketheirdyes.Big-MexicanhasrepeatedlyinvitedmetocometoOraibitolookintothismatter.TheTwins'-Motherwantstogo;theonetwinhasprovedhewillbehaveonatrip;butmyownfamilyalsowantstogo.WearetogojustatthetimeoftheSnakeDance,sothereisanadditionalattraction.Iamtheonlyonewhohasseenit.Weshallbegonethreeorfourdays,sowemusthavebeddingandfood.Jonathanthistimehashismaximumload,notinweightperhapsbutinoddsandends.WeoutdoeventhereturntripfromSunrise,butwehavenopopbottles.Blanketrollsonfendersandmudguards,sacksofcornandboiledmutton.Red-Point,Tom,Marie,Ben,andDaninthebackseatwiththesupplies,theTwins'-Motherwiththebabyboardandmyselfinfront.Thebaby'sluggagegoesbetweenhismother'sfeet.

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WegettoOraibi,seeourHopi.WefindthattheHopiusethesameplantsastheNavajowithfewexceptions,buttheirprocessisdifferent.Itisappliedtodyeingreedsratherthantowool,forthewooltheyuseisGermantownalreadydyedorofthesimplestcolors.WeattendtheSnakeDanceandreturnafterthreedayswithoutasinglemishap,notevenaflattire.TheTwins'-Motherfindsthelargertwinhappy,andhisgrandmotherreportsthathehasnotcriedatall,exceptwhenhewashungry.

TheTwins'-MothernowspendssomedaysatWhite-Sandswithme,concoctingdyes.WehavethedrieddockrootgivenusbyHastin-Gani'sdaughter,andthelargesupplyofmountainmahogany.Theseofalltheplantsweuserequirethegreatestlabor.Thedockrootmustbeground;thebarkmustbepoundedfromthemountainmahogany.AsIpound,theTwins'-Mothergrinds;asshepounds,Igrind.Wetaketurnsatrenewingthefireandtestingthewoolimmersedintheotherdyes.

Wehavedisappointmentsandsurprises.Therose-sanddyemadefromourpetmountainmahoganyisasweexpected.Wetryaconcoctionof"owl'sfoot,"anoxiousweed.Weusealargequantityofthestemsandleaves,discardingtheyellowflowers;weboilitalldayinhopeofgettinggreen.Wesecureabeautifulyellow,thesoftestandloveliestwehavemade,butafterallitisyellow.Isurmisethatayellowishgreenmightbesecurediftheplantweretakenearlierintheyearbeforethestemsbecomehardandfibrous.

Purpledyeismadewiththepetalsofthefour-o'clock.TheTwins'-Mothergatheredasmanyoftheseasshecouldfind,buttheywerefewindeed.Wewouldtrytodyeavery

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smallamountofwoolwiththem.Ouradviserhadtoldustoboilthem"justaboutfifteenminutes."Sincewehavesuchasmallquantityweconcludethatwewillboilitlongertomakeitstronger.Atfirstthedyewaterislightred;butasitboilslongeritlosesthisshadeandtakesonamuddyyellowishcolor.Thewoolwedyewiththisbecomesadesirablebutpeculiarshadeoflightbrown.Thegeneralruleisthatcolorwillbecomedarkerthelargertheamountofplantsubstanceandthelongeritisboiled.Forourpurplethefirstpartoftheruleholdsbutnotthesecond.

Dyemadefromthedockrootrangesanywherefromlemon-yellow,ifasmallamountisusedwithnottoomuchboiling,toadeeporangeiftheamountislargeanditisboiledanhourorlonger.Wewerewarnedalwaystouseanenamelvesselfordyeing.Wehavethreeofthesebutneedanother.Thefirstdyewetriedwasthatofthecliffrose.Wecookedaportionofitinanenamelbucketandapartinanaluminumpailofmine.Thedyemadeintheenamelkettlewasayellowishbrown,thatinthealuminum,apinkishbrown.Onthebasisofthisexperimentwedecidetotrythealuminumforthedockroot.Weputitintotheboilingwater,quitealargequantity.Itlooksmorebrownthanyellow.Wethinktheconcentrationwillbestrong.Old-fashionedandorthodoxNavajodyersuse"rock-salt"fortheirmordant.NowtheNavajoaretaughtbywhitestousesaltandsodaforthesamepurpose.Weused"rock-salt"givenmebyHastin-Gani'sdaughterforthedyeintheenamelkettle.Intothealuminumoneweplungethesaltandsoda(althoughmanyNavajousenomordantwiththisplant),andwhatisoursurprisetobeholdadullmahoganycolor!IfIhadtriedformonthstoachieveashadelikethis,Ishouldhaveconsidereditsuperb.

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Andhereitis!Weexpectyellowalmosteverythingwegetisneareryellowthananyothercolorandthisiswhatweget.Thissurprisecancelsourdisappointmentoverthepurple.

ItelltheTwins'-Motherthisisthedominatingcolorintheblanketanexpertweaverhasbeenexhibitingatvariousplacesthissummer.Shetoldmesheachievedherswithmountainmahogany.Inordertogetthedarkrichshadewehavehereshemusthaveusedahighlyconcentratedsolution.Weknowhowharditistofind,theamountoflaborittakestodigit,poundthebarkofftheroots,andprepareit.Afterallofthisverylittleremainsfordye.Thedock,oncefound,iseasytoprepare,andalittlegoesagreatway.Soweseemtohavehituponsomething.Iwillnotallowmyselftobelieveituntilwehaveimmersedthewoolandthedyeingiscomplete.

TheTwins'-Mothercanhardlywaituntilthedyeissufficientlyboiled.Sheputsinanendofwool,squeezesitandfindsapalemahogany.Aftertheskeinswehappentohavequitealotofthisgoodcolorhavebeensteepingforsometimeshesqueezesanendonthebattensheusesforastirringstick.Itisstillthebeautifulmahogany.Eventhoughweallowforthefactthatwashing,rinsing,anddryingwillmakeitmuchlighter,wearefinallysatisfiedthatithasbeenboiledlongenough.Subsequentwashingwithsoapweed,anddrying,proveustoberight,andthecolorresultingfromthistreatmentsatisfiesmecompletely.

Wehavelearnedmanythings.Wetelleachother,"Youneverknowwhatyouaregoingtoget."Iputitdifferentlytomyself:"Itisimpossibletocontrolconditions.Whenthesupplyofmaterialsisasuncertainandasscatteredasthis,whenthemethodofconcoctionsocrude,onecanneverbesureofexactlyduplicatingthecircumstances."Ialwaysknewthat

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wasthereasonfortheirregularityandvarietyofthecolorsintheblankets,butuntilnowIhadnotcomprehendedthefact.AtlnabaandI,aswellastheTwins'-Motherarefiredwiththeambitiontotryoutalloftheweedsthatgrowaroundourplace.

Icanreadilyunderstandhowthenativeshappenedupontheknowledgeofthevariousmixturestheyuse.Thedockrootcontainsalargequantityoftannicacidandthereforeneedsnomordant,orfixer.Icanimaginethatsomewomantriedthedyewithoutthemineralwhichmakesitfast,perhapsbecauseshehadnone.Shediscoveredthatthedyewasasgoodaswhensheaddedit.Otherwomenadditbecauseitisnecessarywiththeotherdyes.

Theageofexperimentisnotbyanymeansgone.Everynowandagainablanketinwhichanewcolorisusedcomestothetrading-post.OnenowinmypossessioncontainsaredindistinguishablefromtheDiamonddyered.Thewomanwhomadeitsecureditbymixingdifferentplants;theformulasheiskeepingtoherself.

AnotherwomanatBlackMountainsecuresagray-greeninwhichthereisverylittleyellow.Wildhorsescannotdragthesecretfromherbosom.ThereasonIshouldliketopryitoutisthatallrealgreensIhaveseenorhearddescribeddependuponindigofortheirblue.Oftenthosecalled"green"bytheNavajoareneareryellowalthoughtheymaytakeonagreenishtinge.Theyconsidertheuseofindigolegitimateinvegetaldyeblanketsforgoodreasons:itisreallyavegetaldye,anditisold.ButitisnotnativeandforthisreasonIamonlycasuallyinterestedinit.

Woman-of-Red-Streak-Clanvisitsus.Iamshockedatherappearance.ThefirstyearIwasatGanado,eightyearsago,

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Ihadseenherasthewomanwhohadchargeof"theblackening"ofthepatient'swifeataWarDance.Shewasnobleinbearing,slimbutwell-proportioned,energetic.Herhaireventhenwaswhite,herfacehadanexpressionofcalmdeterminationandcompletecapability.Awhitemanhadsaidtomewithnotraceofbanter,"Thatwomancouldbethedeanofacollege."Ihadseenheroftensinceatthetrading-postoronhorseback.Alwaysshehadtheappearanceofperfectdignityandself-assurance.Thisafternoon,whenshecomeswithMarietoseeouryarns,Icanhardlybelieveitisthesamewoman.Sheisthinandold,notwrinkledinatimelessinevitablewaylikeRed-Point,whohasbeenthatwayforyears,notgraciouslyoldwithmellowness,butagedinayearwithworryandinabilitytobowtotheinexorabilityoffate.

Allherlifeshehasbeenaccustomedtodominatingherfamilyandevenhercommunity.Everyoneregardsherwithrespect,sayssheisfair-mindedanddirect,butatthesametimeallarealittleafraidofher.Aboutayearagodeathclaimedheronlydaughter,whowastwenty-oneyearsold."Shejustcan'tgetoverit,"explainsMarie."Shecriesallthetime.Sheneverweavesanymore,shecan'tstayatanything.Shejustcries."

Herresponsetoourinquiryastohowtomakeblueisconsistentwithalltheothers.Shewillnottellus,butifwegiveherthewoolshewilldyeitforus.WhenIsay,"Youuseurinetomakeitfast,doyounot?"sheanswers,"Yes."Thewordismorethanshecanuttertoawhiteperson.Intheolddaysbluewasdyedbyplacingindigoinaurinebath.Onlytheurineofsmallchildrenwoulddo.Ifthatfromapersonnolongervirginwereused,thewoolwouldbecomestreaked.Childrenweretrainedtourinateinspecialpotskeptinthe

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housesforthispurpose.Thewoolwasimmersedinthemixtureofindigoandurineandallowedtostandfordays.Abouttwoweekswererequiredfornavy.Whenthedesiredshadewassecuredthewoolwaswashed"fifteentimes."Ihaveneverseenitdone,butIamsureIcouldusethepresenttenseoftheverbsineverycasewhereIhaveusedthepast.

Tosecuregreenmyinformantssteeptheyarninindigountilalightshadeofblueissecured;thentheygiveitaregularbathinthedock-rootdye.

Atfirstitseemsstrangethatwesecuremuchofourinformationaboutdyesfrommen.Theyareinterestedinallactivities,nomatterbywhomtheyarecarriedout.Theysetuptheloomframeswhentheyareathome.Theyhelpthewomensetupthebiglooms;theymaketheimplements;theyfurnishthedrawingsforthesand-paintingtapestries.Theyaretheoneswhogofarthestafieldforweedstobeusedasmedicine;someofthemordantsareminerals,asarethecolorsforthesand-paintings.

Therelationshipbetweenthematerialsthatmenusefortheirreligiousactivitiesandthosethatwomenuseforweavingisclose.Bothkindsmaybegatheredatthesameplace.Notonlyarethenativeproductssimilar;processesaresometimesidentical.Medicine-menconcoctandbrew,furthermoretheyburnplantsandmineralsforceremonialpurposes,asdidRed-Pointforhisdaughter'sprayer.SoithappensthatRed-Pointpromisestoshowushowtoburntheplants,thegum,andthe"rock-salt"tomakeblack,themostcomplicatedofallthedyes.

Manyofourvisitorsareoldwomen.Thereisnothinglikeastarttokeeptheballofinformationrolling.MarieandIsecuremanychecksonthese,ourexperiments,afterthe

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Twins'-Motherleavesus.Mostwomenhaverefinementsoftheirownaswellastheirsecrets,buttheessentialsarethesame.Mostweedsyieldyellow,andweaversusethekindsnearesthome.

Oneoldwoman,askingifwehaveyetmadeblack,tellsusthatwemustbesurethatnoneofushavingtodowithitismenstruating.Ifanyoneis,''theyarnwillnotgetblack."Ihavenodoubtthatbitsoffolklorelikethiswillcropup,nomatterhowlongIcontinueweaving.

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XXXVFather'sSisterDuringtheintervalsbetweenmytripswiththeTwins'-Mother,Marievisitsmefrequently.Sheseemstowantsomeonetowhomshecantalkabouthermother.Atlnaba,wholooksthin,drawn,andold,oftenjoinsus.Mariegoesoverallthecircumstancesoftheillnesstoreasonouttheultimatecauseofthefatality."Thedoctorsaidmymotherhadtuberculosis,butshedidn'tdieofthat.Shewouldn'thavediedifshehadn'tgotpneumonia.Abouttwoyearsagowhenshewasliftingaheavyloadofwood,shebrokearib.Itpunchedintoherlikeaknife,andshewassickafterthat.ButthatKnifeChantercuredher.Idon'tthink,though,thatherribeverhealedright,becausesheoftencomplainedofpaininthatside.Thenshebrokeitagainbeforeyoucame.Itgotbetter,butshesaidwhenthesingerpressedheratthatWarDance,thatiswhenshefeltitpunchherlungagain."

"Thatisprobablywhatcausedit,"Iagree.

"Butthenshewaswellagainafterthatmansang.Shecouldwalkaround,anditdidn'thurther.Thenshehadthatsing.Ithinkshewouldstillbelivingifshehadn'tgotwet.Thenshegaveuptoo;shehadnomorehope."

"Shealwaysworkedtoohard.Youknowshealwayswantedtodomorethansheshouldorcoulddo.Atlnabaislikethat,andsoisyourfathermostworth-whilepeopleare.Then

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theyoverdo,andtheydieyoung.ButIamsureyourmotherwashappierdoingwhatshewantedtodo."

"Thatoldwomanwhoishere,shewasjustcomingtoseemymotheratthehospital.Shedidnotgetthereintime,soshehasbeenstayingwithussincethen.Everybodycametoseemymother.Thenightbeforeshedied,Tom,hisbrother,andBenWilsonalldressedupintheirbestclothesandwentintoseeher,"shestateswiththegreatestpride,asthoughgreaterhonorwasneveraccordedanywoman.

"Didshelikethat?"Iask.

"Oh,yes!Whensheopenedhereyesandsawthemshesmiled.Shecouldn'ttalkmuch,butshesaid,'Mysons.'"

"Whatdidshecallthemusually?"

"Shealwayssaid'myson,'andtheysaid'mymother.'Ofcoursesheshouldhavesaid'myson-in-law,'andthey,'theonewhomIdonotsee';butshethoughttoomuchofthemforthat."

Tomcomesup.ItisFridaynightandheistiredfromaweek'swork.Ashesmokes,Igetoutmyphotos.OneofYikadezbaisespeciallygood,andIthinkofsuppressingit.Buttheyseeitandscrutinizeiteagerly.FinallyTomsays:"ItjustseemstomesheisstillrunningaroundandImightseeheranytime.Ican'tbelievesheisgone."

Ireturnaboutsix-thirtyoneevening,tired,hot,hungry.Icanhardlytellwhetheritishungerorfatiguewhichmakesmesoexhausted.Afierce,hot,sandywindhasbeenblowingallday.IgotoRed-Point'sshadetotakealettertoMarie,andsheaskswithhercustomarypersuasiveness:"Thisoldwomanwantstogohometonight.Won'tyoutakeher?"

IthasbecomealmostasdifficultformeasforaNavajoto

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say"No."Thistime,however,Idonotyield."Oh,Marie!Iamjustdead.TellherI'lltakehertomorrowmorning."

Ihaverecoveredafter"alittlecoffee";myailmentwashunger.AsIlieonmystomachonmynicewoollysheepskinIhearfootstepsandthesoftmurmurofvoices.Itistoodarkformyreading.Marieandtheoldwomansitnearmeasthedarknessfalls.Itistoowarmforafire.Thewindhasquietedafteraday'sfury.Thestarsarefaraway.Weknowoneanother'swhereaboutsonlybysoundsandtheflashofacigarette.

TheoldwomantookafancytomeattheWarDance,andIthoughtshewassweet.Butshedoesnotknowme,orwhyIamhere."Shesaysshethinksitisniceyouarehereandoneofourfamily.Sheisgladyoulearnedtoweave,butshecan'tunderstandwhyyouthoughtofcomingheretolive."

IexplainthatwhitepeoplehavenotionsaboutIndiansderivedfromseeingthemattrading-postsorinthetowns,thattheirnotionsarenotparticularlyflattering.Iwasinterestedinlearningallabouttheirclans,theirkinship,andmanyotherthings.ButIwantedmosttoseewhattheywerelikeathome.Peoplesaytheyarelazy.Ididnotthinkthatwastrue,becauseiftheyweretheycouldnotgetsomuchdone.TheysayalsothatIndiansareunfriendly.Well,Iknewthatwasnottrue,butIwantedtosee.AndbesidesIwantedtoweave.

"Youhaverelatives,"shesays."Grandfather,sisters,andchildren.Butyouhavenofather.Itisgoodtohaveafather,youknow."SherefersnottothefactofillegitimacythatdoesnotmattersomuchbutrathertotheNavajocustomwherebyafather'sclanfolkoweaparticulardebtofhospitalityandgoodwillto"son'schildren.''

"Iknow.IhaveoftenthoughtofitandthoughtIought

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tohaveone.ButhowcanIdothat?Haveyouanysuggestion?"

Quickasaflashsheanswers:"Takeyourgrandfather'sclanforyourfather's.HisclanisPlace-of-Walking-About,myclanisPlace-of-Walking-About;heismybrother,thereforeyouaremybrother'schild.Youcallmefather's-sister,Icallyouthesameandyoucallmychildren'cousin.'"

Sosaying,sherisesandshakeshandswithme,thusformallymakingmearelativeofhersandherchildren.Iriseandgladlyaccepttheneat,spontaneousrecommendation.Thedarknesscoversmysurprise.

OneFridayabouttwoweeksafterMariaAntonia'sdeathTomannounces:"WearegoingtomoveSundaywhilewehavethewagons.Wewillstartearly,andyoucancomelaterwhenwearesettled.Ihavechosenaplaceforyou."

"Whereareyoumovingto?"Iask.

"Notfar,justdownnearthegarden."

NowIknowitisnotthefearofdeathwhichmakesthemmove.Ifitwere,theywouldnothavestayedaminute,norwouldtheycomeback.Theyhaveshownthatinconveniencesarenothingintheconflictwithcustomandbelief.IfMariaAntonia'sspiritwerehauntingthisplace,itwouldnotbeginnow;itwouldhavebeenhereforthelasttwoweeks.Itissimplythat"itseemsasifshewerewalkingaround."Outofhopefulandlovingexpectationcomesghastlysilence;insteadofnaturalbustlingactivitythereisonlybafflingstillness.Theydonot,likeus,tryto"stickit";theysimplymoveaway,leavingthedisconcertinghushtoconsortwiththeabominablequiet.

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XXXVIDegreeinWeavingInthetimeIhavespentwiththeNavajoIhaveseennumerouslargerugseitherfinishedorintheprocessofbeingwoven,butIhaveneverseenonebeingstrungup.OnedayOld-Mexican's-SontellsmethatHastin-Gani's-Wifewantslongpolessoshecanstartalargesand-paintingtapestry.Beforehegetsthemshefindssomeherself,andonthedayscheduledwemakeourwaytoherplace.

Thereisnodifferenceinthemannerofstringingtherug,whichisfourteenfeetsquare.Thereismerelyaddeddifficultyofmanipulation.Allfourpolesarefifteenorsixteenfeetlong.Theweaverusesthesameonesforthetemporaryframeandforthepermanentbars.Itisnottobeexpectedthatshecanrunthewarpballovertheendbarsofthetemporaryloomalone.Shesitsatoneendandthrowstheballtoherdaughterattheother,whointurnadjuststhewarpproperlyandthrowstheballback.

Perhapsthemostdifficultpartistokeepthelargemassofwarpfromtanglingfromthetimeitistakenfromthetemporaryframeuntilitisfastenedtothepermanentone.AllofthisHastin-Gani's-Wifeachieveswithperfectskill,andwithwhatseemstobeease.Thewholeeffectofherbehavioristhatofcompletecontrol.Shedoesnothurry,butherworkproceedsunbelievablyfast.

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Shehasdecidedtohavetheentirelengthofherwarpstretchedinsteadofrollingitaroundthewarpbeamatthetopasmanywomendo.Herloomframethereforejutsfarabovetheshadewheresheplanstowork.Hersonhelpshertoadjusttheloomtotheloomframe,andhe,likehismother,workswithexactknowledgeofwhatheistodoandhow.Asmallladderleansagainsttheoutsideoftheshade,andbymeansofithereachesthetopbeamoftheloomframe.Ashestandsontopofthestructurehismotherthrowstheropewhichregulatesthetensionuptohimfrominside.Herunsitoverthestringersothatitremainsanevendistancefromthelastcoilandthrowsitbacktoher.Theyproceedthusuntilthewarpstandshighandlooselystretchedinplace.

Hastin-Gani's-Wifenowpausestomakesometwo-plycord.Ihaveneverseenthisdoneeither,butluckilyMariehasshownmehowtomakethree-plyjustthedaybefore,andthetwistingisthesame.InthemidstofitHastin-Gani's-Wifeiscalledout.Shehandsthespindletomeinthemostmatter-of-factmanner.IamflatteredatherbeliefinmyabilityandfearfullestIfailher.Butshestaysquiteawhile,andbythetimeshegetsbackIhavetheknackofthisspinningonthethigh.Itinvolvesonlytwisting,hasnothingtodowithsplicing.

Ihelpheralittleaboutfasteningtheedgecordswhichwehavejustspun.Shesitsbeforetheloomtomakethehealdloops.AsIwatchherIpickupaspindleonwhichsomeoneisspinningwarp.Ihaveneverspunwarp,butthefirstthickroveissoevenlymadethatIamsurprisedtofindmyselfdoingverywell.ThisSunday,duringwhicheverythinghasgonesopleasantlyandquietly,seemstobethedayformycomprehensiveexaminationinrug-making.

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AsshepassesherloopsoverherrodsHastin-Gani's-Wiferemarks:"Youcanmakethediamondsaddleblanket.Willyoushowmehowtodoit?"Shedoesnotknowthatthisinnocentremarkismoreprecioustomethanmydegreefromcollege.She,acknowledgedamongthebestweaversofthetribebecauseofherskillanddexterity,askingmetoshowherhowtomakeasaddleblanket!

TheTwins'-MotherandIhavedyedonlyasampleofeachcolorwetried.BythetimeweceaseourexperimentsIhavemanysmallskeins,nooneofthemofmuchusebutaltogetheragoodlyamountofyarn.IdecidetoweavethemintoakindofJoseph'scoatcushiontop.AllsummerMarieandAtlnabahavebeenthreateningtoputupaloom.Beforetheirmother'sdeaththerewasnotime;since,theyhavewantedtodosobutsomehowlackedthewilltogetatit.Mariementionsagainherdesiretolearnthesaddle-blanketweaves.OnedaywhenIamready,Iannounce:"Thiswouldbeagoodplaceforaloom,don'tyouthink,betweenthesetwotrees?Iwanttomakeacushiontopandputallthesecolorsinit.ButfirstIamgoingtomakeyouasampleofeachofthefancyweaves.Wewillputthemonthesticksandthenleavethemunfinishedsoyoucanalwayscountthemwhenyouneedthem.Thiswillbeyournotebook."

WegetthepolesfromWhite-Sands.Curley's-Sonisworkingonlytwomilesawaythisweek,sohecomeshomeeverynight.Hemakesthelowerbeamoftheloomframerigidandfastensthetopmostonefirmlytothetwotrees.Wecanmanagetherest.

Istartwith"braided,"thesimplestofthediagonalweaves.Icountoffthewarpsforthefirsthealdandfindthemwrong.

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Istartalloverandagainmakeamistake.IfinallythinkIhavethecountsforonehealdrightandcountoffthoseforanother.MistakefollowsmistakeuntilIamimpatientandcross.Icontinue,however,andfinallyhavethecountsforthefourhealdscorrect.IweaveafewrowstoshowMarie,andthenshetries.Aftershehaswovenalittleitistimefordinner,andwebothtakearest.Whenwetryitagainintheafternoonwebothfinditwearinganddifficult.Thesunhasmovedoverthepiñonandisshiningthroughourwarps.

Ihangaplaindarkblanketbehindtheloom,andourtroublesareover.Theywereduetothelight.InowfeelmoretolerantandunderstandingofMrs.Kinni's-Son.Perhapsthisisthereasonshehadsuchabadtimecountingthewarpswhenshewasshowingme.Wekeeptheblanketbehindourloom,andwhenIcountoutthediamondIexperiencenounpleasantnessordelay.

Whenwetakeoutthehealdloopsofoneharnesstoprepareforanotherwesubstituteastringforthehealdsandpushituptothetopoftheloom.ThiswillremainthepermanentcountforMarietoreferto.AsIcountthewarpforthediamondIexplaintoherthegeneralprinciplesIhaveworkedout.Shegraspsthemandusesthematoncealthoughshecannotformulatethem.Isitbesideherandspin.Shethinksitishardtokeeptrackofthehealdsandtheweftreedsandtogettheminexactlytherightorder.Idonotwishtobotherherandspeakonlywhensheasks,"Whichoneisnext?"Sheweavesaboutfourinchesof"diamond"ontopofaboutthesameportionof"braided."Ilookatit,andtomygreatsatisfactionitisdrawingin.Thispartoftheweavingmustbeatleastaninchnarrowerthanitwaswhenwebegan.

GloatinglyIsay,"Lookatyouredge,Marie!"

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Shejerksherhand,stillholdingthecomb,overhermouthasshegivesventtoaheartychuckle."Iwassointerestedingettingtheweavingright,Iforgotallabouttheedge."Thiswouldhavebeenbalmtothetroubledsoulofmyfirstsummerbutevennowdoesnotpassmebyunappreciated.

ThisisanappropriatetimeforMarietolearnbecausethereareconstantinterruptionswhichmakeitimpossibletoaccomplishmuch.Itisthecornseason;thereisanexcellentcrop,andAtlnabaspendslongdaysmakingacornconfectionwhosenameIcannottranslate.Icallit"green-cornmacaroon."MariehelpsherasdoesNinabawhensheisnotoutwiththesheep.

Whenthewomenhuskthecorn,theylayasidethetenderlightgreeninnerleaves,placingthemcarefullysotheydonotaccumulatesand,ashes,orotherdirt.Someonecutsoffhugedishpanfulsofthemilkykernels.Anotherofthegroupgrindsthemonthemetate,whichhasbeensetonacleansheepskin,smoothsideup.Afteralargemassofthethinbatterisready,allsetaboutpreparingitforthebaking.Theworkertransfersahandfultoacleancurvedcornhusk.Shegetsitallinthehuskthereisnonedrippingaroundtheedges.Shefoldsitover,placesanotherhuskontop,foldsitback,thensecuresthewholebylappingbackthepointedtips.Shelaysthe"macaroon"onaboardwhichisfastbecomingheapedwiththefreshneatluxuries.

MeanwhileAtlnabahashadahotfireburningoveraspacewithalargecircumference.Whentheconfectionsarereadysheshovelsawaytheunburntwoodandthecoalsanddigsoutashallowplaceforanoven.Everyonenowtakesupapositionnearthisandlaysthefilledhusksinaccuraterowsuntilthe

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spaceisfilled.Atlnabashovelsthesandoverthemagain,distributesthecoalsevenlyoverit,andkeepswoodburningatthesidesoshewillhavefreshcoalswhentheseburnout.

Thesandovenisleftwithbutoccasionalattentiontothefireforaboutthreehours.Thenthestuffedhuskscomeout,goldenbrownincolor,solidwheretheyweresoftbefore.Wheneverweareindoubtduringthecornseasonweeatoneoftheseconfections.Theyhavemuchtheconsistencyofamacaroon,theyareslightlysweet;theflavorisbetweenthatofbakedandparchedcorn.AftereatingoneIfeelasifIshouldnotneedfoodagainforawholedayatleast;itiscompletelysatisfying.

Everybodyeatsasmanyoftheseasshewishes.Thesebakingsare,however,primarilytopreservecornforthewinter.Thebulkofthem,therefore,isplacedtodrywherethegoatscannotreach,thenstoredawayagainstthewinter,whentheywillbecrackedupandboiledforastapledish.

Atlnabasuperintendsalsothepreparationofgreatquantitiesofcornbakedinthesamewaybutinadeeppit.Thelaborconnectedwiththisisincreatingafirehotenoughtopenetratethreefeetorsoindepthand,afterthecornhasbakedforperhapsadayorlonger,inhuskingthesavoryears.Thechildrenarealmostalwayschewingonanearofcorn.IfDjibagetstiredofhersbeforeshehaseatenitallshelaysitasideuntilshewantsitagain.If,bythattime,ithasdisappearedperhapsDanorBenfinishedit!shestandsandscreamsvociferously.

MariecomestomyhomeandIexpecthertoweaveasusual.Insteadshesays:"MyfatherissingingtheBeadChantovertherewherewewentthefirstyearyouwerehere.They

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arehavingthesand-paintingtoday."Andsheaddswistfully,"Ihaveneverseenit."

"Doyouwanttogo?"

"Yes."

"Whenshouldwestart?"

"Soonnow."

IrememberthisistheplacewhereseveralgirlsliveofwhomMarieisveryfond.WhenwearriveMariefallsontothebosomofherfavorite,andfortwentyminutesatleasttheycrytogether.AnotheronecrieswithAtlnaba.ThisisthefirsttimetheyhaveseenoneanothersincethedeathofMariaAntonia.Ourowncallershaveshownmethatafteradeath,womengreetrelatives,andevenfriends,withtears.Thetearsareshedwitheachinproportiontotheclosenessofthefriendship.

Red-Pointconcentratesonthesongsforthispaintingverycarefully.Hekeepshiseyesclosedmostofthetime.Althoughhedoesnothesitate,neitherdoeshejokeorbanter,anditseemsasifhepullstheritualfromtheremotestcubiclesofhismemory.TheconfidenceandassuranceoftheShootingChantarenoticeablyabsent.ThesongsaresodifferentthatevenInoticethem.Later,asweeatintheadjoiningshade,hecomplains:"Itisverydifficultformetosingthis.Idon'tsingitveryoften,andIdon'tevenknowitall.Ihavetothinkhardaboutitall."

Onourwayhome,Marieelucidatesfurther:"PoorLeo!Heissickagain.Theyarejusttryingthisfortwodaystoseeifitdoesanygood.InafewweekshewillhavetheWarDance.Thenifhegetsbetter,theywillhavethewholeninedaysoftheBeadChantnextwinter.Theycan'thaveitinthesummer."

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Interruptionsarenotconfinedtothedaytime.Iliesoundasleepabouteleven-thirtyonenightwhenIamgentlyawakenedbyMarie.Shescaresmenearlytodeathbythisvisitatwhattomeisthemiddleofthenight.Icanseethereisawomanwithher.AsIcometoasenseofrealization,Marieexplains:"ThisisoneofourrelativesfromovernearwhereTom'sbrotherisworking.Herdaughterisawfulsick.Sherodeoverheretogethelp.ShewantsyoutotakehertoGanadotogetherhusband,Black-Moustache,togoforasingerwholivesuponthemountain."

IcanthinkofnothingIshouldlessratherdo.Iargueforatime,then,knowingthatthemomentisimpossibleforcivilizedmedicaltreatment,agreetogo.Idonotknowhowillherdaughteris,butifsheisridinglikethisatnight,shemustbegreatlyalarmed.Evenifitdoesnogood,shewillfeelshedidallshecould.

WedrivetoGanado,Black-Moustache's-Wifesittingerectandtenseinthebackseat,Marieinfronttodirectme.Nooneishomeatthefirsthoganwetry;atthesecondwegetthereportthatBlack-Moustachehasgoneuptothemountainforthemedicine-man.Wereturnhomeandtobed.Thewomanridesaloneintothenight.

ThenextmorningMariecomeswiththeannouncement,"Black-Moustache'sdaughterdiedbeforehermothergothome,atmidnight."

Spinningisassuitableasweavingmiscellaneouspatternsforthesedaysfilledwithharvestactivitiesandemergencies.Ispinmorethanusualthissummer,andIfindmyyarnbecomingconstantlymoresatisfactory.MarieremarksthisandpointswithpridetowhatIhavedone,callingittoAtlnaba's

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attention.Sheadds,''Icouldn'tspinrealniceuntilIwasnineteen."

WhereuponInaturallyask,"Howoldwereyouwhenyoubegan?"

"Ten."

Ireflectthatshehasspuncontinuously,thatthehoursIhaveputinonitareactuallyveryfew,inthewintertimenoneatall;andIseenoreasontobediscouraged.

WhenMariethoroughlyunderstandsthe"diamonds,"wesubstitutestringsforhealds,andIcountoffthewarpsforthe"double-faced."BetweentimesMariesaysrepeatedly:"Iamsogladtoknowhowtomaketheseweaves.Mymotherknewhow,andIhavealwaysintendedtolearnbutsomehowwenevergotatit."

Iamweavingatthe"double-faced"whenDjiba's-Mothercomestoseeus.SheremarkstoMarie,"Sheisbeatingus."

"No,"Ireply,"ifyouwereweavingthesamethingyourswouldbemoreeven,andyouredgewouldbebetter.Ijustknowthewaytodoit,youknowhowtomakeagoodblanket."

ToMarieIadd,"Thatisalwaysthewaywithagoodteacher;shelearnsfromherpupils."

Mariethenconfessedwithakindofwistfulsatisfaction,showingthiswasherexaminationaswellasmine:"YourememberthatdaywhenOld-Mexican's-Sonbroughtyouuphereandsaidwemustteachyoutoweave.Ididn'tsleepverywellthatnight,andIworried:'Whatifweshouldn'tbeabletoteachher?Maybewecan't.'"

MarieandhersisterwilldoubtlessneverrealizehowIblessthemfortheconscientiousnesswithwhichtheyacceptedthe

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responsibilitythrustuponthem:ifIhadfailed,theywouldhaveacknowledgedthefailureastheirs.

OnedayItellMariehowenthusiasticsomeofmywhitefriendsareaboutweaving.Iadd,"Buttheywillneverreallylearntoweavebecausetheydon'tstaywithit.Itislikeanythingelse:youcan'tlearnitwithoutpractise,andyoumustbewillingtogiveittime."

"Iknow,"saysMarie."Mrs.C.,forwhomIworkedinLosAngeles,saidshewantedtolearn.Shetrieditonceandthensaidshecouldn't.Thatiswhatweallthoughtyoumightdo."

IthentellherthestoryofMrs.Kinni's-Sonandherfearofwhitewomenascompetitors.AtthisMarieonlylaughsandsaysherownexperiencetryingtoteachwhitewomenreassuresheronthatscore.EventhoughIhavelearnedsheissureIwillnotbecomearivalbecauseittakesmetoolongtospinandweave.Icouldnotearnmylivingatit.

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Index:

A

Adjiba37

Angela34,234,248,249,252,258

Atlnaba7,8,14,27,28,34,35,36,37,44,51,88,89,96,101,107,109,110,111,112,113,114,117,119,121,122,127,129,130,151,154,155,157,158,160,182,187,187,192,209,220,221,222,226,227,228,236,248,249,256,270,274,280,282,284

Atlnaba'stapestry27,28

B

Batten17,19,20,22,23,44,46,80,97,98,100,105,213,217

BeadChant283,284

Beadingneedle46

Bear173

Bear-Man171

Beaver-Man174

Ben51,53,97,101,104,115,116,120,129,151,157,180,230,266,283

BenWilson63,64,65,67,126,147,260,275

BenWilson'sWife35,192,256

Big-Fly177,194,198

Big-Man230,231

Big-Mexican247,266

Big-Monster236

Big-Woman255,258

Bindingstrands20,45,60

BlackEars244

BlackMountain137,140,141,194,232,254,264,270

Black-Moustache285

BlackSky180

BlackWind182

Blue-Eyes145

BlueLake169

BuffaloPainting203

Butte-Reaching-to-the-Sky209

C

Carding25

Cha72,73,74,75,76,107,108

Changing-Womanlegend169thru179,236

Chant26

Chantceremony26

Chanter25

Chant-of-the-Sun's-House181,182,183

Child-of-the-Water171,172,194,198,236

Chinlee(Chinle?)140,191

Clothbeam31

Comb18,19,20,22,23,32,45,61,97,215,282

Cornfields250

CornflyGirl181

Corn-Stalk-with-Twelve-Ears203

Craving-for-Meat178

Crosspole17

Crystal183,184

Curly55,56,57

Curly's-Son14,28,35,62,85,101,115,117,131,149,151,154,155,156,159,161,163,164,165,168,180,187,193,255,260,280

D

Dan51,53,101,104,115,117,118,119,151,152,180,208,236,258,266,283

Desire178

Diagonalweavingline62

Djiba35,158,208,234,249,256,258,283

Djiba's-Mother230,231,286

Double-facedblanket223,286

Double-Painting203

Dye,black272,273

Dye,cliffrose268

Dye,dockroot267,268,269

Dye,green272

Dye,indigoblue270,271,272

Dye,mountainmahogany267,269

Dye,owl'sfoot267

Dye,purplefouro'clock267

Dyeplants112,260thru273

Dyes,Hopi266

E

Earth181

Earth-Mother169

EarthPeople194

Earth-Skysandpainting200,203

Enemy-Slayer171,172,178,202

Eye-Killers170,175,177

F

FemaleShootingChant208

Finishingarug47

Fire-God173

First-born176,194,198,236

FortDefiance187,229,266

FortSumner234

FortWingate68,95,144

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G

Gallup29,117,118,224,255,257

GallupCeremonial117,144

Ganado3,9,28,29,50,51,60,65,66,77,81,86,91,92,109,125,126,127,133,143,184,190,219,244,245,255,270,285

Girl'ssingceremony100,101,102,103,104,105

Gray-Haired-Cactus178

Green-cornmacaroon282

H

Hastin-Gani261,262,265,267,278,279,280

Haystacks265

Heald12,19,20,44,211,212,214,215,221,224,280,281,

Healdloops12,17,46,213,217,218,279,281

Healdrod12,17,19,46

Heddle12

Hogan,descriptionof2

HolyOnes173

Horned-Monster169,175

Horned-Rattlers181

HotSprings194,195

Hoseblessingchant150,151

Hunger178

J

JoannaGodden14

JohnTallman133,134,135,136,137,138,139,140,141,142,143,181,182,183,184,185,186,187,229,238

Joiningstitches61

Juan's-Wife223,224,225

K

Kicking-Off-Rock169,175

Kinni's-Sons212,213,214,215,216,217,218,219,220,221,222,223,224,281,287

Kinlichi28

KnifeChant250,251,254,257,274

Knife-Reeds172

L

Little-Man-with-the-Spectacles144,210

Little-Singer247,250

Little-Woman255,257

Loomframe22,44,46,213,272,279,280

Loomframe,Tommakesa7,10,11,12

Loomharness12

Loomposts8,9

M

MaleShootingChant257

MariaAntonia7,8,10,13,14,16,21,22,24,25,34,35,44,46,48,52,55,68,71,79,83,85,86,88,94,95,96,98,109,111,121,124,125,127,131,132,146,147,148,149,151,199,200,222,226,227,228,233,234,235,241,245,248,249,251,253,255,256,259,277,284

MarieThisnameappearson96%ofthepagesofthisbook,sowehaveomittedcatalogingthenamebypage.

Marielearnstoweave37thru43

Marie'shouse5

Mary209

Measuring-Worm172

Medicinechants137

Mocking-Bird-Woman172

Molly141,143

Monster-Evil169,175,177

Moon181,182,187

Mordantfordyeing266,268,270,272

Mountain-Sheep194

MudDance244,245,246

N

Navajo,AnnualCouncilofthe67

Navajobread102

NavajoCouncil65,66,68

Navajodressstyles66

Navajofamilylife62,63

Navajofamilyprotocol8,64,65

Navajokinterms35,36

Navajonicknames34

Navajowedding133thru143

NazliniCañon262

NightChant248

Ninaba10,14,25,35,44,51,109,117,118,129,145,146,151,152,155,156,159,160,161,165,166,181,188,191,198,199,201,205,208,210,221,230,234,238,256,258,282

O

Old-Age-Traveling176

Old-Mexican's-Son3,5,48,119,133,145,187,191,193,247,250,257,278,286

Oraibi266,267

Otter194,198

Otter-Man174

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P

Paul91

Place-of-the-Large-Cornstalk194

Place-of-the-Walking-About-clan277

Plantsusedinmedicinesing148

PolaccaHopivillage138,141,143

Pollen-Boy181

Poverty178

Purl20

R

Rainstorm80,81

Rattler173

Rattler-Man171

Red-PointLikeMarie,thisnameappearstofrequentlyinthepagesofthisbookthatindexreferenceseemsuseless.Wehaveomittedcatalogingthisnamebypage,asthepaginationwouldservenopurpose.

Red-Point'sart26,27

Red-Pointlsfamily3

Reed12,19,21,44,46

Regulatingtension(weavingterm)30

Rove279

Ruby51,53,54,55,77,81,116,122,127,157,193,234

S

Saddleblanketpatterns210,211

Saddleblanketweaves280,281

Sage-Woman257

SaintMichael's266

Salaine138,139,141

Salt-Woman169

Sandpainting26,155190thru200

Scallop(weavingterm)21,61

Second-born176

Sheds(weavingterm)12,19,44,46,80,105,110,211,213,214,217,221

Sheepdipsing121,122,123,124,125

ShootingChant144thru209,230,284

Short-Paints144,210,212,214,264

Shuttle(weavingterm)19,44,45

Silversmith96,97,100,101,102,104

SkyPeople180

Sleep178

Sliding-Sand-Dune173

SnakeDance,Hopi266,267

SpiderWoman172,173

Sphinx-Worm174

Spindle279

Spinning25

Spreading-Creek172

SquawDance237

Stringingalargerug278

Stuckinthesand55thru58

Summer180

SummerPeople180

Sun170,173,174,176,181,182,187,201

SunPeople180

Sunrise(avillage)236thru242

T

Talking-God171,172,177

Tannicacid270

Thoreau(NewMexicanvillage)210,212,224

Thunder173,194,198

Tom5,6,7,8,9,10,12,14,28,35,48,51,62,81,83,85,86,87,101,104,105,109,110,111,115,127,128,147,149,151,152,156,157,160,161,163,164,184,185,186,187,190,193,227,228,229,236,237,239,241,255,256,260,266,275,277,285

Throwing-Against-Rocks160,175

Tonto92

Tornado90,91

Totlani's-Wife207,208,229,234

Towcords(weavingterm)215

Tracking-Bear175

Twilleffectweavingtechnique219

Twins'-Mother261,262,266,267,269,270,274,280

Twoplycord(weavingterm)279

V

Vegetaldyes112,113,230,260

W

Walking-Stone170

Want178

WarDance208,230,233thru239,255,256,271,274,276,284

Warp(weavingterm)10,11,12,17,18,20,21,22,25,31,32,33,44,45,46,60,61,70,73,75,77,94,98,105,106,107,109,110,113,128,210,212,213,214,217,218,219,224,278,279,280,281,286

Warp,crooked17

Warp,repairof32,33

Warp,textureof18

Warp,winding11

Water-Horse180

Water-in-the-Ground(Indianvillage)207,230,233,234,238,239,

244,246,247,248