Native American Voices Tewa (Pueblo) and Navajo tribes
Tewa (Pueblo Indians) The Pueblo Indians reside in Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, and Colorado. They have been living in this area for over 500 years. They remained sedentary because they grew crops and used cotton to make clothing.
They lived in towns called “pueblos” Acoma Pueblo and its reflection in a pool of water.
Tewa The Tewa are an ethnic group of American Indians who speak the Tewa language and have a Pueblo culture. Their homelands are on or near the Rio Grande in New Mexico north of Santa Fe.
The Navajo Tribe
Navajos settled in Southwest between AD Fierce warriors and hunters. Learned skills from Pueblo tribe that intermarried with their tribe. Mostly sheep and goat herders after introduction of domestic animals by Spaniards.
Early 1800’s – fought to drive settlers away. 1864 – US Army troops defeated Navajo and 7000 captives were marched across 300 miles of desert to New Mexico. Returned to own lands four years later and formed largest reservation, currently over 200,000 people.
Canyon de Chelly, on Navajo lands
You are small and intense In your excitement, whole, Embodied in delight. The backdrop is immense; The sand drifts break and roll Through cleavages of light And shadow. You embrace The spirit of this place. To a Child Running With Outstretched Arms in Canyon de Chelly – M. Scott Momaday
Navajo Language as Code During WWII, the Navajo language was used by the US troops because it proved to be an unbreakable code. Navajo language is only spoken, not written. Used over radio frequencies to transmit vital data concerning orders and missions, and was never broken.
How was the literature recorded? Pictographs Word of mouth
Thematic Link Both songs express the Native American’s desire to live in harmony with nature. Tewa – means wearing the mystical “garment” woven by nature itself. Navajo – means coaxing the deer to participate in a cycle in which death in one part of the natural world brings life and sustenance in another.