Cultural Reference

The chief law enforcement agency, also known as APD, responsible for policing the city of Albuquerque, New Mexico. The APD's mission statement is as follows: "We, the members of the Albuquerque Police Department, believe in the shared responsibility of police personnel, government leaders and citizens to improve Albuquerque's quality of life and to defend our community. We vow to uphold the U.S. Constitution, to fairly enforce the laws of New Mexico and the City of Albuquerque in order to protect life, property and rights. In partnership with the community, we will engage in policing to maintain order, reduce crime and the fear of crime through education, prevention and enforcement."

In April 2014, the U.S Department of Justice found that the APD "has engaged in a pattern or practice of excessive force that violates the Constitution and federal law," mandating reforms that constitute a complete overhaul of APD's protocols, specifically the department's "use-of-force" policies, training on the use of verbal warnings instead of stun guns, enhanced awareness of and training to humanely deal with people with mental illness, and psychological assessments of prospective officers prior to employment.

A small object believed to have supernatural powers and to bring luck or avert misfortune. Personal talismans are common in Native American traditions and are usually worn or carried close to the body. There are also specific talismans designated for specific protective purposes to be used in times of need or in special ceremonies.

In the United States police force, the term refers to a police officer ranking below captain or lieutenant.

A star constellation that, in the Northern Hemisphere, can be seen in the southern sky. Although it lacks specific defining features, it was imagined in ancient Babylonian and Greek mythologies to resemble a water bearer (Aquarius in Latin).

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.

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.

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.