Article
Also known as hatałii in Navajo, singers, like medicine men, perform traditional ceremonial healing cures targeted at body, mind, and spirit, and call on the patient, his kin, the singer himself, and divine people to restore an individual's harmony with the world. Before a singer, or medicine man (they are seldom women), is called, a hand trembler (ndilniihii), often a woman, will diagnose the source of illness. Through prayer, concentration, and sprinkling of sacred pollen, her hand will tremble and pinpoint the cause, which then determines the proper ceremonial cure. Then a singer who knows the proper ceremony is called and preparations for the sing are set in motion.
There are nearly 100 Navajo sings, or chants, of varying range and intricacy. Originating from the Navajo Creation Story, they are so nuanced and complex that a singer learns only one or two sings over many years of apprenticeship. Sings last anywhere from one to nine days and include chants, songs, prayers, lectures, dances, sweat baths, prayer sticks, and sand paintings. In order for a sing to be effective, everything must be done as prescribed in the legends.
"Sandpainting for Mountain Chant 8th Day, circa 1960," (1990.01.1770). Hubbard Museum of the American West. All rights reserved. Use with permission only.
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References
Beck, Peggy V. and A.L. Walters
1977 The Sacred: Ways of Knowledge, Sources of Life. Tsaile: Navajo Community College
Press.
Frisbie, Charlotte J.
1987 Navajo Medicine Bundles or Jish: Acquisition, Transmission, and Disposition in the
Past and Present. Albuquerque: University of New Mexico Press.
Hirschfelder, Arlene and Paulette Molin
2000 Encyclopedia of Native
American Religions. New York: Checkmark Books.
Levy, Jerrold and Raymond Neutra, Dennis Parker
1987 Hand Trembling, Frenzy Witchcraft, and Moth Madness. Tucson: University
of Arizona Press.