Navajo Cradleboard
There is one word denoting a baby-carrier; each tribe has its own. Although some cradleboards are very similar, it is possible to recognize those made by individual tribes, and each tribe will have its own name for the contrivance. Many mothers still use this Navajo name is Aweetsal.
convenience which is decidedly practical since it protects the baby from falls and keeps it covered. Most Navajo babies like the security of being laced into a cradleboard, and will fret if left out of it for some time.
In earlier times, when infant mortality was rife, the first cradleboard was an improvised one that could be thrown away if the child died. As the child grew, the next one was a little better-made, and this third was still better, since the child had survived for so long.
The fourth cradleboard was the final one and was used until the baby outgrew it. It was supposed to be constructed by the father of the infant, who selected cottonwood or pine for the two back board. These were laced together and the upper end of the back thus made was cut out into a V-shape. A piece of the same wood was added at the bottom for a foot-rest.
A piece of oak, shaved thin so that it could be bent into a bow, was attached near the top and afforded protection for the baby's head. Loops were placed along the sides of the cradleboard.
The baby was laid on a blanket in the carrier. The blanket was then folded around the child, which was usually placed with its arms down at its sides. A lacing strip of buckskin was then drawn though the side loops and fastening the infant securely into the carrier. A buckskin or cloth was thrown over the top to shield the baby from the sun and to protect it from insects.
The board could be stood against a wall or tree, carried in the arms or across the saddle when the mother rode horseback, or it might be laid in an improvised sling. Even if the cradle was dropped out of a wagon, the curved oak headpiece would protect the infant's head while the snugly-laced blanket would cushion the fall. The curved headpiece is know as the rainbow and when a child is laced into the cradleboard it is said to be "under the rainbow."
All their wisdom and knowledge came to them in dreams. They tested their dreams, and in that way learned their own strength. -OJIBWA
NATIVE AMERICAN ORAL TRADITION OF THE OJIBWA OR CHIPPEWA PEOPLE ORIGINATED THE DREAM CATCHER.
DREAM CATCHER
....been for many years used in the Indian ways. Dreams, both good and bad, they believed, descended from the dark night sky. The bad dreams were captured in the web and the held there until the morning sun's rays would evaporate them with dew. Good dreams simply slipped through the center hole of the web only the one who's sleeping.
American Indians have used fetishes throughout recorded history; especially the Indians of the Southwest. A fetish is an object which is believed to have magic powers.
Fetishes may be of any form or material. Regardless of the form or material, however, a fetish has one paramount purpose, to assist man against any real or potential problems. The problems can be those of the mind, the body or the universe.
A fetish can be owned by an individual, a family, a clan, a kiva society or an entire tribe. Regardless of the ownership, the care of a fetish is always the responsibility of an individual. Special care must be taken to see that the fetish is properly fed, admired and cared for. Fetishes are believed to feed on cornmeal while they are kept in a special pot or pouch. Ground turquoise if often mixed with the cornmeal.
A fetish is made and "decorated" with turquoise, arrowheads, coral, etc. as a means of adornment. This adornment is a show of affection and appreciation by its maker and/or owner. The better treatment a fetish receives, the better performance it is likely to provide.
Most fetishes relate to animals, usually animals of prey. These are acknowledged as the most powerful providers in life; so, they are accepted as having the greatest fetish powers. They are generally admired for their strong hearts. Many believe the strong heart makes them dominant and, therefore, survivors; the hunter rather than the hunted.
The Zuni Indians of New Mexico believe strongly in six cardinal guardian fetishes. Each is symbolic of a direction. The guardian fetish of the north is the mountain lion (yellow); the South (red) is the badger; the West (blue) is the bear and the East (white) is the wolf. Additionally, the mole is the guardian of the Nadir or inner earth (black) and Zapath is the eagle (all colored bird forms).
The power and strength of a fetish is obtained by placing the nostrils of the fetish to one's mouth and taking deep breaths.
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Updated June 6, 2006, 7:07 PM
Potawatomi Tribe
Potawatomi Tribe
Mohegan Tribe
FLAGS, NATIVE AMERICAN-Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians
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