uncle

Encyclopedia Article

Article

In Navajo social interactions, as well as in those of many other Native American cultures, "uncle" is a title of respect used to address an older male, regardless of actual familial connection. The familial term connotes the intimacy of a social group in which all members are believed to be connected, as well as the respect that is given to older generations.

Photo Credit: 

 
"Group of two Navajo men and a Navajo boy, unidentified," photograph, William A. Keleher Collection (000-742-0361.tif). Center for Southwest Research, University Libraries, University of New Mexico.

Published Works: 
The Blessing Way (1970)
The Boy Who Made Dragonfly (1972)
Dance Hall of the Dead (1973)
Listening Woman (1978)
People of Darkness (1980)
The Dark Wind (1982)
The Ghostway (1984)
Term Type: 
Cultural Reference