I remember my grandparents would drag me to this events.. Happy they did. I do remember this group.. Love dancing to the song, very strong voice. RIP Jw and Stanley your song takes me back when my grandma was in this world with us thank you.
navajos have always been able to adapt to the times...we have used spanish influenced dress for a long time now, and now more western cowboy get-ups..dressing 'cowboy' doesnt make anyone less navajo, just reflects the influence that inspires the people...some of the earliest written accounts of what navajos looked like, were that we looked like 'plains indians', but distinctly called ourselves 'navajo' (apaches de navajo)...
Dang number one gots the groove and number 2 is dressed old school. The reason for the wranglers and hats is simple. Most people have livestock to take care of. When your out in the sun herding sheep or running cattle. It is better to be covered up with a long sleeve shirt and good hat to shade you. You'll also need a good pair of pants that will hold up. Wranglers do just that. Good times.
easier to ride a horse dressed like that, remember horse' are still used for transportation or gathering livestock. the other dress today is baggy pants and tennis shoe.:)
I believe what you are referring to is a Bow Guard. It was worn to protect the wrist from getting hit from the string of their bow. As time past they added their own touch with the silversmith work you see, and now it part of what Dine men wear. Hope that answers your question.
...i would bet that if ya did a lil more "homework"...ya would find that this is just one tiny bit of Navajo socialism...the rest is..."prohibited to "record"....it's a social gathering...at least the "cowboy hats" are made in America and not fake beads from Japan...
Ha, My old stomping ground. I was always at some song and dance back in the day. But they are hard to find. So I just end up going to Second Night. I will be posting some songs too...
I remember this gym. When I was in grade school we use to come here for the annual Navajo language/culture contest thing. It was always held in Feb. Do they still have that? But this is a good song. I have been to song in dance in ages. Thanks for sharing this video.
