Ceremonial of Hasjelti Dailjis and Mythical Sand Painting of the Navajo Indians

Near Keam's Canyon in Arizona, a nine-day Navajo healing ceremony brings together a sick man, his relatives, a song-priest and a large gathering of visitors. James Stevenson records the proceedings he observed in 1885, moving from the construction of the medicine lodge to masked performances, chants and the preparation of ceremonial objects. His account follows the sequence of the rites and explains the roles of figures such as Hasjelti and Hostjoghon.

The sand paintings receive close attention, including the grinding of colors, the work shared by four artists and the meanings assigned to lines, feathers, water and sunbeams. Myths accompany the ceremonial descriptions, with sections on the creation of the sun and other Navajo figures. Stevenson acknowledges the limited time he spent studying the mythology and credits the officiating priest's explanations. Readers interested in ritual art and religious history will find a detailed historical observer's record of materials, gestures and beliefs.