TIMELINE:
1868-1960
- depended on a combination of farming, animal husbandry,
sale of products.
- cultivation of maize was the most basic and essential.
- raise sheep and goats, which in turn provided meat,
milk, wool, and hides.
- additional income came from sale or exchange of rugs,
piñon nuts.
Early 1900s
- A few Navajo members were employed by bureau of indian
affairs and off-reservation towns and ranches.
1980’s
- 75% of wage work contribute to Navajo income.
Traditional farming and livestock economics still being maintained.
- Tourism, mineral production, and lumbering are the main
sources of cash income on the Navajo Reservation.
As shown through the
timeline, the Navajos mainly farmed and traded among other villages throughout
the years. Additional income came from crafts they made and traded. This
includes pottery making and weaving. Women weaved rugs, baskets and other woven
goods to trade in the market. Among these traded goods also included silver and
turquoise jewelry. The woven baskets and bright colored sashes that were
made also played a major role in their ceremonies.
In regards to the
division of labor in the Navajo economy, there was a set line to distinguish
tasks between men and women. Males took care of horses and farmed, while
females were in charge of household tasks and weaving. In recent years, both
gender collaborate in activities such as shearing, lambing, and wage work.
Reference:
The Navajo mode of subsistence is similar to how my ancestors in Vietnam lived decades ago. The main mode of substance was farming rice paddies as it was the staple diet of the Vietnamese people. Now I don't have to "create" goods to trade or farm for my food, which I am very grateful towards. I'm granted financial aid from the school, which helps pay for my education, housing, food and expenses. I also work part time periodically to bring in a little extra income every now and then. The work needed to support life now isn't as heavy labor as how the Navajos had to do it back then. Though there is still a division of labor between men and women in some tasks. Men and women can perform either gender's stereotypical tasks, but most of the time the women perform light household tasks and the men do heavy labor tasks.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!!! Thanks for the great job in the course this semester Kim!!! Great refs too. Please, do meet, or talk to make all your group refs consistent. Many are not using the AAA Style Guide. Thanks
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