People of Darkness (1980)

The heads of the predatory animals such as large cats, bear, and wolves, mounted on the wall by the hunter in display of hunting prowess.

A large predatory cat recognizable by its uniquely patterned pelt, which consists of a yellow background covered in small, black spots. The cheetah is known for its speed, which can reach 70 miles (110 km) per hour during a hunt chase. Cheetahs are native to Africa and inhabit a wide range of habitats. They prey on a variety of animals, including antelopes, rabbits, and birds.

Alaska is the 49th U.S. state, and is located at the northwest tip of the North American continent. The name Alaska is derived from the Native Aleut language's term "alaxsxa" meaning "great land." The territory now known as Alaska has been occupied by indigenous peoples for thousands of years. Starting in the 1700s, European powers competed over control of the region. Alaska's strategic positioning at the center of maritime and aerial routes connecting North America, Europe, and Asia made it a desirable stronghold in terms of both military and commercial significance. In 1867, the U.S. purchased Alaska from Russia but its admission into the union did not occur until 1959. With a land area covering 586,412 miles, Alaska is the largest state in the U.S. Because of its separation and distance from the rest of the country, and challenging geographic and climate conditions, Alaska was slow to be explored and populated by Europeans and Americans. It is still considered the “last American frontier,” stretching over vast areas of undeveloped land and untapped resources, most of which are located on Native Alaskan territory.

An object, usually small and personal, that is kept for sentimental value as a representation or reminder of a person, place, or past event.

In the context of Hillerman's 1980 novel People of Darkness, this Navajo word means "moles," or, more literally, "people of darkness." However, there is no indication that this is indeed the right word for either the animal or the concept of "people of darkness" in the Navajo language. There might be a significant discrepancy between Hillerman's spelling of the word and other possible spellings, or it may be that Hillerman has constructed this term based on his knowledge of Navajo language and culture.

Pressured to cooperate with the U.S. federal government in order retain at least some vestige of recognition as a sovereign nation, the Navajo Nation transitioned from traditional governance to a representative system in 1922. Under the paternalistic guidance of the U.S. Secretary of the Interior, the Navajo Business Council was created to negotiate mineral releases on tribal lands. In 1934 they disbanded after refusing to adopt the Indian Reorganization Act, only to reform under a new name, Navajo Nation Council, in 1937. The Navajo Tribal Council is presided over by a council-elected speaker and includes 24 elected members from 110 tribal chapters. The Navajo Tribal Council meets at Window Rock, Arizona at least four times a year, when they discuss new legislation for and issues on the Navajo Nation Reservation.

Known as the largest "total war," the Second World War, lasting between the years 1939 and 1945, was in some ways a continuation of the First World War, which had ended twenty years earlier but had left unresolved various European geopolitical disputes. World War II involved almost every part of the world, but the main fighting forces were the Axis forces of Germany, Italy, and Japan who opposed the Allied forces of France, Great Britain, and the United States. The war broke when Adolf Hitler, the German dictator, invaded Poland, and Great Britain and France intervened to assist Poland as it was trying to defend itself. After two years of intensive fighting in Europe, the Axis had the upper hand, and Hitler was able to continue his expansive attacks well beyond Poland into other countries in Eastern Europe.

After Japan attacked the United States in Pearl Harbor in 1941, the U.S. entered the war. Battles continued across the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans, North Africa, the Middle East, and parts of Asia. During 1944 and 1945 the Axis forces suffered severe defeats, and fighting in Europe ended on May 8, 1945, after the Western Allies' invaded Germany and captured Berlin. In July 1945, the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs in Japan, sealing the Allies' victory and officially ending the war. It is estimated that between 40 and 50 million deaths incurred during World War II, making it the deadliest war in world history.

A small group of spiritually devoted people, usually branching off a larger, well-established organized religion, with specific beliefs and practices that are significantly different from those of the original mother religion. Cults often form around a leader who stresses a particular deity, a sacred ritual, or a unique belief that becomes the focus of unorthodox worship. The word has a negative connotation, as cults are often associated with social deviance, fundamentalism, and forms of psychological manipulation and mind control.

A hollow container similar to a vase, covered with a lid, which is often used as both a decorative piece and a receptacle. The term urn usually refers to funerary vases used for containing the ashes of a deceased after cremation, but it can also indicate a vessel for serving liquid, especially tea (such as a samovar). Urns are made ouf of a variety of materials such as clay, silver, or brass.

A set of serving and dining dishes made of silver, usually containing a large urn or bowl, goblets, plates, and often utensils as well. Silver dishes are uses for special or formal entertaining occasions, and are often kept on display as decorative pieces the rest of the time.