The people relied on horticulture, which consisted of hunting and gathering, and sheep herding played an important role in their lives. Navajo families lived in individual six to eight sided houses called "hogans", that were widely distributed throughout their territory.
Men and women played equally important roles in Navajo society. Men were commonly …show more content…
Therefore, "Hozho" is not something that was created. It is something that is constantly being created, because the world 's beauty is constantly progressing. Another reason for the belief that the world’s beauty is constantly changing is because evil is constantly being turned to good, and good is constantly being turned to evil, which can also mean that another principle of beauty is found in activities, not in things.
Performing arts are an important component of Navajo Art. Ritual sings are considered preforming arts, simply because it is an event that goes on for hours, and in some cases, days. Also, the Navajo people probably see beauty in sings, because it is an activity that is constantly changing. Sings are a heavily important part of Navajo culture. A family may spend over several thousand dollars staging a sing, and over a thousand people may participate in the event. Informal singing is also important to Navajo culture. Songs often accompany daily activities such as walking, riding, planting, and growing.
Sandpaintings, which are also an important part of Navajo culture, tend to display stylistic conservatism. Simply because in order for a sandpainting to be effective, it must replicate almost every detail of the designs handed down from the previous generation, which is a very intricate task that calls for accuracy. They display a strong sense of symmetry in design and …show more content…
It was learned in the late 1800’s from Mexican smiths living in The Southwest. The Navajo people began by decorating horse bridles, but now produce jewelry, which is in high demand.
Sings and sand paintings are elaborate ceremonies done by the Navajo people. Sings are performances that can last for as little as a few hours, to as long as nine days. They feature all night singing, daytime prayers and chants, and ritual shampooing of the hair with yucca suds.
If a person falls ill, has misfortune, or is jeopardized by some condition beyond their control, the family may hire a singer to carry out a sing to restore the person 's well-being. (CS p117) Sings are also just performed to maintain current health. In most sings, much of the chanting reiterates the stories of creation and the activities of the mythic Holy People (CS p117)
Sandpaintings are done in conjunction with sings and illustrates events in stories often told in sings. They are normally done in an area on the hogan floor, using sand, colors made from ground minerals, pulverized charcoal, corn pollen, and corn meal. Sings are usually made freehand with the leader and his assistants featuring intricate lines and uniformly colored