Navajo Bibliography
for Beginners

Labriola Center

Rodgerick Begay, 1996

This bibliography is composed of books on the Diné tribe, and is an attempt to extend Dr. Peter Iverson's Navajo Bibliography, which was published in 1976 by Indiana University Press. Selections made for this bibliography are intended to introduce students to the Din&eacute and cover Navajo tribal government, arts and crafts, ceremonies, legends, languages, Code Talkers, education, etc.

Readers should be aware that there often is a translation problem between Navajo and English languages. Therefore, authors who attempt to describe any aspects of the Navajo culture, philosophy, and way of life, should be looked upon from a critical standpoint. For example, there is no Navajo "religion" but there is a practice of religious ceremonies. There are no words in the English language to describe Navajo "religion" but it is the closest translation equivalent. I want to stress that Navajo creation stories are considered real to the Navajo people, and students should be aware that there are many versions of them.

The bibliography was written for an Internship in American Indian Justice Studies Certificate Program under the direction of Dr. James Riding In, Asst. Professor, Justice Studies, and Patricia Etter, Curator of the Labriola National American Indian Data Center at Arizona State University. I hope that Navajo students and those not familiar with the tribe will also benefit from this bibliography.

1. Begay, Shirley M.

Kinaalda: A Navajo Puberty Ceremony. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1983. E99.N3 B43

Here is a detailed description of the four-day puberty ceremony for Navajo girls. It contains illustrations of the event and is also written in Navajo, giving a sense of the authentic event.
Back to Index

2. Bixler, Margaret T.

Winds of Freedom: The Story of the Navajo Code Talkers of World War II. Darien, CT: Two Bytes Publishing Company, Ltd., 1995. D810.C88 B59

Bixler covers the times from which the Navajo Code Talker Program was first mentioned to the time the soldiers returned from the war. The book has a glossary of Navajo words that were used by the Navajo soldiers during the war.
Back to Index

3. Campbell, Tyrone and Joel and Kate Kopp

Navajo Pictorial Weaving: 1880-1950. New York: Dutton Studio Books, 1991. E99.N3 C29x

There are 170 illustrations of Navajo Pictorial weaving including sandpaintings, tapestries, human figurines, birds, Kachinas, and more.
Back to Index

4. Chase, Katherin

Navajo Painting. Flagstaff, AZ: Museum of Northern Arizona, 1982. E99.N3 C5x

The book features nineteen artists and their works. Two types of artists are discussed: the traditional (Harrison Begay); and the contemporary (R.C. Gorman).
Back to Index

5. De los Santos, Roman

The English-Navajo Children's Picture Dictionary. Tsaile, AZ: Navajo Community College Press, 1995. PE1629. D4

This is a glossary of Navajo terms with illustrations to help describe the meanings of some words.
Back to Index

6. Dockstader, Frederick J.

The Song of The Loom: New Traditions in Navajo Weaving. New York: Hudson Hills Press, 1987. E99.N3 D56

The first four chapters discusses Navajo history, Navajo religious philosophy, the materials used for weaving, and factors that have played an influential role in Navajo weaving history. Illustrations of eighty-three old and newer rugs are displayed. Biographical information on nineteen respected weavers is included. There is a map showing various areas for design traditions.
Back to Index

7. Eck, Norman K.

Contemporary Navajo Affairs. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1982. E99.N3 N32x v.3:B

Eck takes an in-depth look at Navajo tribal government, economic development, and health issues. The book is filled with statistical data and records beginning from the establishment of the Navajo tribal government to the years of Tribal Chairman, Peter MacDonald. The illustrations depict the various issues.
Back to Index

8. Fernandez, Benedict J.

Shí Éí Díí Laanaa Nisin = I Have A Dream. Chinle, AZ: Dineh Cooperatives, Inc., 1995. E99.N3 F47x

This is an interesting book in which the author describes hardships the Navajos, other Native Americans and Afro-American people have encountered through the years of American governmental power. The book contains black and white photographs of protest demonstrations against racial and/or power issues.
Back to Index

9. Goodman, James M.

The Navajo Atlas: Environments, Resources, People, and History of the Dine Bikeyah. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1982. G1497.N3 G6

The atlas features forty-eight maps and charts displaying geographic character of the Navajo Reservation, it's size, history, water supply, landforms, elevation, population, energy resources, livestock, administrative and political subdivisions, chronology maps illustrating land acquistion for the Navajo, and more.
Back to Index

10. Griffin-Pierce, Trudy

Earth Is My Mother, Sky Is My Father: Space, Time, and Astronomy in Navajo Sandpainting. Albuquerque, NM: University of New Mexico Press, 1992. E99.N3 G94

The book introduces the reader to Navajo culture and philosophy through interpretation of ceremonies. Sandpaintings are the focus of the book but the author recognizes their sacredness, therefore limiting illustrations to those displayed in museums. Words such as "God, heaven, and supernatural" are used to describe special situations and meanings in ceremonies and other aspects of Navajo life. The book is illustrated, and has a number of tables.
Back to Index

11. Haile, Berard

Navajo Coyote Tales: The Curly To Aheedliini Version. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1984. E99.N3 H243

This book includes three stories, which the author has divided into seventeen mini-stories. These are told by a Navajo elder and have been translated to English. The stories are also written in Navajo for those who read the language.
Back to Index

12. Hausman, Gerald

Sitting on the Blue-Eyed Bear: Navajo Myths and Legends. Westport, CT: Lawrence Hill and Co., 1975. E99.N3 H37

Hausman presents twenty-eight poems and four short stories about the origin of the Navajo. In addition, there are songs and poems of traditional ceremonies, and chants of the Navajo people. Since these are translated to English, much of the original meaning may be lost due to the author's interpretation. The book is illustrated and has a bibliography.
Back to Index

13. Hoffman, Virginia and Broderick H Johnson

Navajo Biographies, Volumes I and II. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center Press, 1974. E99.N3 H63 v.1, v.2

The authors include biographies of important historical figures of Navajo history. In the first volume the people discussed include Narbona, Antonio Sandavol, Zarcillos Largos, Manuelito, Barboncito, Ganado Mucho, Jesus Arviso, and Henry Chee Dodge. Biographies in volume two include Sam Ahkeah, Albert George Chic Sandoval, Paul Jones, Chaba Davis Watson, Annie Dodge Wauneka, Dr. Taylor McKensie, and Raymond Nakai.
Back to Index

14. Hedlund, Ann Lane

Reflections of the Weaver's World. Denver, CO: Denver Art Museam, 1992. E99.N3 H45x

The rugs presented in this book are from the Gloria F. Ross Collection of Contemporary Navajo weaving located in the Denver Art Museam. There are photographs of thirty-eight rugs and a section that informs the readers about the 33 artists' background. A glossary is included.
Back to Index

15. Iverson, Peter

The Navajos. Philadelphia: Chelsea House Publishers, 1990. E99.N3 I89

Iverson writes about Navajo history. In addition, he identifies how the Navajos were affected through the years by white civilization. There are two chapters that pay considerable attention to two major experiences in Navajo history: The Long Walk; and The Livestock Reductions. The book is illustrated and has a glossary.
Back to Index

16. Kent, Kate Peck

Navajo Weaving: Three Centuries of Change. Santa Fe, NM: School of American Research Press, 1985. E99.N3 K39

Kent gives a brief history of the Navajos and how they acquired weaving skills. The book also contains what the author calls the three distinctional periods that describe change in Navajo rug weaving techniques over three centuries. It is illustrated with rugs representing each stage.
Back to Index

17. Kluckhohn, Clyde and Dorothea Leighton

The Navaho. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1946. E99.N3 K54

The book introduces the reader to many aspects of Navajo culture. Some examples are: economy, diet, communication, ceremonies, supernatural power, language and dialect.
Back to Index

18. Locke, Raymond Friday

Sweet Salt: Navajo Folktales and Mythology. Santa Monica, CA: Roundtable Publishing Company, 1990. E99.N3 L744

The author presents twelve stories about the Navajo. He prefaces each story with his personal experiences relating to it, gives a brief description of the main character, and the story's significance. One highlight is the author's introduction to the book in which he tells his audience that many aspects of the Navajo way of life cannot always be interpreted and understood by other ethnic groups.
Back to Index

19. Lynch, Regina H.

Cookbook = Ch'iyaan iil'ini binaaltsoos. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1986. TX715.C64x

This cookbook presents both traditional and modern Navajo entrees. In addition, it includes illustrations of edible plants found on the reservation and how to prepare them.
Back to Index

20. Martin, Douglas Congdon

The Navajo Art of Sandpainting. West Chester, PA: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd, 1990. E99.N3 C76

There are over 300 illustrations of Navajo sandpaintings. The author writes a brief history of the origin of the sandpainting and it's transformation to a commercial art.
Back to Index

21. Matthews, Washington

Navajo Legends. Salt Lake City, UT: University of Utah Press, 1994. E99.N3 M273

A sixty-page introduction discusses many aspects of Navajo culture and life. The version of this particular Navajo origin story is very detailed and covers about 100 pages. The final two stories are: Na Ti'nesthani (he who teaches himself); and the Great Shell of Kintyel (broad house).
Back to Index

22. McCarthy, T. L. and Stephen Wallace. Eds.

Navajo Leadership and Government: A History. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rough Demonstration School, 1983. E99.N3 N352

Written for sixth through ninth grade Navajo Social Studies curriculum, the book contains a general history of tribal leadership and government. The editors discuss the various systems of governments that the Navajo have encountered and adapted to or incorporated to their own needs since the arrival of the Spaniards and Europeans. The book features many photos and maps of the reservation in addition to a teacher's guide.
Back to Index

23. McClain, Sally

Navajo Weapon. Boulder, CO: Books Beyond Borders, Inc., 1994. D810.C88 M35x

The book presents a detailed history of the Code Talkers from the time the operation was just a concept to the days of the soldiers' return. It includes reminiscences of many veterans, which enhances the reader's imagination of the times experienced by the Code Talkers. A number of maps are included. A useful feature is a glossary of words Code Talkers used during the war.
Back to Index

24. McNeley, James Kale

Holy Wind in Navajo Philosophy. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 1981. E99.N3 M317

This is a more recent study of Navajo philosophy through the usage of the Wind concept in Navajo stories, which the author chooses to identify as myths. The book contains some works of past scholars who studied the Navajo people. Those include Haile, Matthews, Wyman, Franciscan Fathers, and others. The author identifies their accomplishments as well as their misconceptions of Navajo views of life, behavior, and religious nature.
Back to Index

25. Parezo, Nancy J.

Navajo Sandpainting: From Religious Act To Commercial Art. Tucson, AZ: University of Arizona Press, 1983. E99.N3 P35

Parezo brings up a number of issues relating to traditional and commercial sandpaintings of the Navajo. The author discusses how artists were able to make these available by making subtle changes in design and color without violating religious taboos. The book contains maps, appendices listing artisans, and is highly illustrated.
Back to Index

26. Roessel, Monty

Kinaalda: A Navajo Girl Grows Up. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications Company, 1993. E99.N3 R597

The author photographs and writes about Celinda McKelvey, a Navajo girl, and her Kinaalda, the traditional coming-of-age ceremony performed by a family for their daughter. Color photographs of the four-day ceremony are included.
Back to Index

27. Roessel, Robert A. Jr.

Dinetah: Navajo History, Volume II. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1983. E99.N3 N32x v.2

The author attempts to give a geological and archaeological history of the Navajos with many photographs of the land and by using petroglyphs and pictographs for evidence of the author's claims. There are photographs of artifacts recovered from the various sites.
Back to Index

28. Roessel, Robert A. Jr.

Navajo Arts and Crafts. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1983. E99.N3 R633

The book introduces the reader to the four trades the Navajo people make and use for personal and economic reasons: weaving, silversmithing, basketry, and pottery. It is written for young Navajo students and gives a brief history of the trades. It has many illustrations, some of which give step-by-step descriptions of the work's creation.
Back to Index

29. Roessel, Robert A. Jr.

Navajo Education, 1948-1978: It's Progress and It's Problems. Rough Rock, AZ: Navajo Curriculum Center, Rough Rock Demonstration School, 1979. E99.N3 N32x v.3:A

Roessel gives a detailed look at BIA schools, public schools, contract schools, and Navajo Colleges since the end of World War II. Education programs during these years are also mentioned. The book is illustrated.
Back to Index

30. Rosenak, Chuck and Jan Rosenak

The People Speak: Navajo Folk Art. Flagstaff, AZ: Northland Publishing, 1994. E99.N3 R65

The authors give a very brief history of the Navajo and also discuss the importance of Clans, "Religion," and Taboos. They also present works by thirty-two artists and their exquisite accomplishments. There are photos and detailed descriptions of the pieces that show the creation techniques used. There is a glossary and an appendix.
Back to Index

31. Shepardson, Mary

Navajo Ways In Government: A Study In Political Process. American Anthropologist 65(June 1963): 1-132. GN2.A22 no96

Shepardson describes the role, structure, and responsibilities of Navajo government. She also mentions the traditional systems used by the Navajo regarding these areas. The book highlights the tribe's jurisdictional power in relation to the Federal and State Governments. It is well researched and includes a map.
Back to Index

32. Sneve, Virginia Driving Hawk

The Navajos. New York: Holiday House, 1993. E99.N3 S6

Sneve presents a book for readers who know know nothing about the Navajo tribe. She writes a basic history and includes a short version of Navajo creation. It also contains a map of the reservation in addition to illustrations.
Back to Index

33. Underhill, Ruth M.

The Navajos. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1956. E99.N3 U32

The author gives her version of the Navajo origin and history and challenges the validity of the Navajo stories by using researched material she calls "evidence" from archeological findings. There is a map and many illustrations.
Back to Index

34. Wetherill, Tom

Navajo Nation Trails and Adjacent Places of Interest: Travelers Guide. Sante Fe, NM: Vergara Printing Company, 1985. E99.N3 N47

The guide features information about nine national monuments and parks located on the Navajo Reservation. There is additional information on other places of interest located near the monuments. The book has maps of the reservation and illustrations showing where they are located and what to expect at these sites.
Back to Index

35. Wilkins, David E.

Dine Bibeehaz'aanii: A Handbook of Navajo Government. Tsaile, AZ: Navajo Community College Press, 1987. E99.N3 W653

This is a more recent book covering governmental functions of the Navajo tribe. It introduces the reader to the relationships all Indian governments have with the federal government. It gives a historical overview of past policies the federal government implemented to "deal" with the Indians and how it affected the Navajo tribe. Wilkins also reviews the Navajo Tribal Code and it's implications in defining tribal governmental powers and actions. The appendix has a chronology.
Back to Index

36. Wood, Leigh Hope

The Navajo Indians. New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1991. E99.N3 W747

Wood introduces the reader to the basic history of the Navajo tribe. The author also gives her insights on the adaptations the Navajos have had to experience through the years since white contact. The book features a map of the reservation, a glossary of Navajo terms used in the book, a chronology of important times highlighted through those years, and has many illustrations. There are some old photographs as well as those taken in modern times.
Back to Index

37. Yazzie, Ethelou, ed.

Navajo History. Many Farms, AZ: Navajo Community College Press, 1971. E99.N3 N32x

The author introduces the reader to the origin and creation of the Navajo. This book is recommended to those who have little or no knowledge of the Navajo creation stories. The book has a glossary of Navajo terms, a map of the reservation, and is illustrated.
Back to Index

38. Young, Robert W.

The Role of the Navajo in Southwestern Drama. Gallup, NM: Gallup Independent, 1968. E99.N3 Y58x

The book has nine sections that contains 229 subheadings. In these sections, it provides information on events that occurred throughout Navajo history and many subjects that pertain to the Navajo culture. The Long Walk, Stock Reduction, government, silversmithing, and weaving are examples of topics that are discussed by Young.
Back to Index

39. Young, Robert W.

A Political History Of The Navajo Tribe. Navajo Nation, AZ: Navajo Community College Press, 1978. E99.N3 Y68

This is a well-researched history of the Navajo tribal government. The author discusses the political organization as it existed before the formal American-style government was implemented into the Navajo political structure and lives. It gives names of early tribal officials as well as listing amendments and other important legislation which affected the tribe. The book contains charts and illustrations.
Back to Index

40. Young, Robert W. and William Morgan

Colloquial Navajo: A Dictionary. New York: Hippocrene Books, Inc., 1994. PM2008.Y58x

The terms in this dictionary are structured in a conversational tone. The literal meaning of the term is given in addition to identifying its usage in other situations.
Back to Index

Last update: June 29th, 1998
Please e-mail us your comments, suggestions, or research requests!

Page last modified: November 28, 2007