Washington Matthews – författare

"The ceremony of dsilyídjeqaçàl, or mountain chant—literally, chant towards (a place) within the mountains—is one of a large number practiced by the shamans, or medicine men, of the Navajo tribe. I have selected it as the first of those to be described, because I have witnessed it the most frequently, because it is the most interesting to the Caucasian spectator, and because it is the best known to the whites who visit and reside in and around the Navajo country."Contents:Myth of the Origin of DsilyídjeQaçàlCeremonies of DsilyídjeQaçàlFirst Dance (Nahikàï) Second Dance (Great Plumed Arrow)Third Dance Fourth Dance Fifth Dance (Sun) Sixth Dance (Standing Arcs) Seventh Dance Eighth Dance (Rising Sun) Ninth Dance (Hoshkàwn, or Yucca)Tenth Dance (Bear) Eleventh Dance (Fire) The Great Pictures of DsilyídjeQaçàlFirst Picture (Home of the Serpents)Second Picture (Yays and Cultivated Plants)Third Picture (Long Bodies) Fourth Picture (Great Plumed Arrows)Sacrifices of DsilyídjeQaçàlOriginal Texts and Translations of Songs, &c.Songs of Sequence First Song of the First DancersFirst Song of the Mountain SheepSixth Song of the Mountain SheepTwelfth Song of the Mountain SheepFirst Song of the Thunder Twelfth Song of the Thunder First Song of the Holy Young Men, or Young Men GodsSixth Song of the Holy Young MenTwelfth Song of the Holy Young MenEighth Song of the Young Women Who Become BearsOne of the Awl Songs First Song of the Exploding StickLast Song of the Exploding StickFirst Daylight Song Last Daylight Song Other Songs and Extracts Song of the Prophet to the San Juan RiverSong of the Building of the Dark CirclePrayer to Dsilyi'' NeyániSong of the Rising Sun Dance Prayer of the Prophet to His MaskLast Words of the Prophet

Washington Matthews'' The Mountain Chant (Complete Edition) is a groundbreaking anthropological study of Navajo ceremonial practices. The book delves into the elaborate rituals and healing ceremonies conducted by the Navajo people, providing a detailed account of their beliefs and traditions. Matthews'' writing style is both informative and engaging, offering readers a unique insight into the spiritual world of the Navajo. The book is considered a seminal work in the field of Native American studies and remains a key resource for scholars and researchers. Matthews'' meticulous observations and ethnographic details make The Mountain Chant a valuable contribution to the study of indigenous cultures. Washington Matthews, a military surgeon stationed in the American Southwest, developed a deep interest in Native American cultures and languages during his time among various tribes. His interactions with the Navajo people inspired him to document their rituals and beliefs, leading to the publication of The Mountain Chant. Matthews'' unique perspective as an outsider immersed in Navajo culture adds depth and authenticity to his work, making it a significant contribution to the field of anthropology. I recommend The Mountain Chant to anyone interested in Native American spirituality, cultural anthropology, or ethnographic studies. Matthews'' comprehensive study offers a rare glimpse into the sacred traditions of the Navajo people, shedding light on their rich cultural heritage and deep connection to the land.