The Navajo
The Navajo lived in the South West corner of the United States (look for them in the light pink on the map below). The Navajo were originally hunters and gatherers but adopted farming techniques from the Pueblo people. After the Spanish arrived, they began to heard sheep and goats.
Lifestyle
The men and women of the Navajo tribe had different roles and jobs. The men were warriors, hunters, and leaders. The women were farmers and animal herders. They were also in charge of cooking and taking care of the children. Both men and women could tell stories, play music, and practice medicine. The Navajo made their houses, called hogans, out of clay. Men and women wore skirts and breechcloths made out of woven plant fibers. They also wore deerskin cloaks and moccasins (shoes) in cold weather. After they received sheep from the Spanish people, they made clothes out of wool. The Navajo wore cloth headbands and silver and turquoise jewlery. They did not paint their faces.
The Navajo did not live near large sources of water. This means that when they traveled they had to walk everywhere. They did not have horses until Europeans brought them to North America. Instead, the Navajo used dogs to pulls sleds with packs on them.
The Navajo farmed corn, beans and squash. The men hunted deer, antelope, and other small animals. Women would gather nuts, fruits, and herbs. The sheep and goats that the Spanish traded to them were also sources of food.
The Navajo did not live near large sources of water. This means that when they traveled they had to walk everywhere. They did not have horses until Europeans brought them to North America. Instead, the Navajo used dogs to pulls sleds with packs on them.
The Navajo farmed corn, beans and squash. The men hunted deer, antelope, and other small animals. Women would gather nuts, fruits, and herbs. The sheep and goats that the Spanish traded to them were also sources of food.
The Navajo Code Talkers
During World War II, Navajo soldiers served as radio men. They were able to communicate in their own language, which the enemy did not know or understand. One reason it was so hard to understand is because it was not a written language. It is estimated that during that time period fewer than 30 people who were not part of the Navajo tribes could understand their language. They played a very important role in sending secret messages to other troops, camps, and towns.