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Show THE NAVAJOS W E S H A L L R E M A I N : U TA H I N D I A N C U R R I C U L U M G U I D E 41 TEACHER BACKGROUND In many cultures, colors serve as symbols. The Navajos use colors artistically, but they also use them to symbolize important elements in the Navajo belief system. While many colors have significance, four in particular-black, white, blue, and yellow-are tied to the Navajo view of the world. These colors are associated with the four directions, certain times of day, the four mountains that serve as markers of the Navajo homeland, important spiritual beings and people, and many other aspects of Navajo culture and tradition. They appear throughout Navajo stories, and Navajo artists use them in sand paintings, weavings, and other forms of art. HOW THE MEANINGS OF COLORS TRANSMIT NAVAJO CULTURE Objecti ve Students will be able to identify the four colors important to the Navajos and understand how these colors represent different elements of Navajo culture. They will also be able to understand how values and beliefs associated with color help transmit culture from one generation to the next. Student Materials Photo of Navajo Rug Navajo Coloring Page Photos of Navajo weavings, sand paintings, and other materials at www.UtahIndians.org ADDITIONAL MATERIALS NEEDED American flag (or photo) for lesson introduction Time Frame - VERSATILE Two standard class periods with homework One block period with homework Three standard class periods Teacher Materials At a Glance: Color in Navajo Life and Beliefs Navajo Symbolic Associations Chart We Shall Remain: The Navajo (chapter 1, 0:30-2:35) Procedure Before starting the lesson, briefly remind the students what a symbol is, and explain that color works as a symbol in many cultures. Show them the American flag as an example. Explain that in the Ameri-can flag, the white stars symbolize each of the states and the blue square represents "union," or the way in which the individual states are tied together into one nation. Ask them to think about what colors mean in their cultures. (You could give suggestions, such as colors associated with holidays, weddings, funerals, signs, etc.) |
