Mythology and Values
An Analysis of Navaho Chantway Myths
University of Texas Press
In this book, Katherine Spencer examines Navaho cultural values by studying a specific subset of Navaho mythology: chantway myths, part of ceremonies performed to cure illness. She begins with a summary of the general plot construction of chantway myths and the value themes presented in these plots, then discusses “explanatory elements” inserted by the narrators of the myths. She continues with a deeper analysis of the cultural value judgements conveyed by these myths. At the end of the book, Spencer includes abstracts of the myths she discusses.
Katherine Spencer, later Katherine Spencer Halpern (1913–2004), was an anthropologist and a research associate with the Wheelwright Museum of the American Indian.
- Preface
- I. Introduction
- II. Navaho Chantway Myths
- III. Plot Construction and Value Themes
- The Pattern of Plot Construction
- A. The Hero’s Predicament
- B. The Hero’s Rescue and Acquisition of Power
- C. The Hero’s Family and Affinal Relations
- Value Themes
- A. Health and Illness
- B. Power and Knowledge
- C. Family Relationships
- D. Self-Assertion and Responsibility
- The Pattern of Plot Construction
- IV. Explanatory Elements
- Health, Fertility, Ritual Observance, Sex and Family Relations, Aggression, Irresponsibility, Property, Animal Origins, Miscellaneous
- V. Sanctions and standards
- Introduction
- Subsistence and Property
- A. Subsistence
- B. Poverty
- C. Responsibility
- Sex and Marriage
- Family and Kin
- A. Parents and Children
- B. Siblings
- Some Aspects of Interpersonal Relations
- A. Companionship and Hospitality
- B. Aggression
- VI. Conclusions
- Review of Findings
- Discussion of Theoretical Problems
- VII. Abstracts of Chantway Myths
- Hail Way
- Water Way
- Male Shooting Way
- Big Star Way
- Mountaintop Way
- Prostitution Way
- Moth Way
- Beauty Way
- Night Way
- The Visionary
- The Stricken Twins
- Plume Way
- Navaho Wind Way
- Chiricahua Wind Way
- Eagle Way
- Bead Way
- Flint Way
- Ghostway Ritual of Male Shooting Way
- Enemy Way
- VIII. References
- Notes
- Bibliography
