The Navajo

Geography The Navajo are natives of the Four Corners region Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, and Colorado The Navajo people still live in their traditional territory today.

Shelter Navajo people lived in hogans, which are traditional earth houses. A hogan is made of a special wood framework packed with clay into a domed shape, with the door facing east. The thick earthen walls insulated the hogan and protected the people inside from wind and strong weather.

Food The Navajos were farmers. They raised crops of corn, beans, and squash. Navajo men also hunted deer, antelope, and small game women gathered nuts, fruits, and herbs. Later the Spanish introduced sheep and goats, and theNavajos began raising herds of these animals for their meat and wool as well.

Clothing Originally, Navajo men wore breechcloths and the women wore skirts made of woven yucca fiber. Shirts were not necessary in Navajo culture, but both men and women wore deerskin ponchos or cloaks of rabbit fur in cool weather, and moccasins on their feet.

Transportation There were no horses in North America until colonists brought them over from Europe Navajos used dogs pulling travois to help them carry their belongings. Once Europeans brought horses to America, the Navajos could travel more quickly than before.

Arts and Crafts Navajo artists are famous for their colorful woven rugs silver jewelry pottery baskets sandpaintings

Interesting Facts During World War II, the Navajo were able to develop the most significant and successful military code of the time. So successful was this innovative codes that military commanders credited it with saving the lives of countless American soldiers and with the successful engagements of the U.S. in the battles of Guadalcanal, Tarawa, Saipan, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.

Interesting Facts The Navajo are the largest Indian tribe in the United States. They live on the largest reservation in the U.S. which covers over three states on 17 million acres.

Resources Resources for information and pictures were found at the following sights: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=navajo+indians&FORM=IGRE&qpvt=navajo+indians# http://www.bigorrin.org/navajo_kids.htm http://www.bigorrin.org/navajo_kids.htm http://navajocodetalkers.org/