This work takes its title from the richly symbolic creation legend of the Navaho people, which they incorporated into their blessing ceremony for tribe members headed to battle. Having observed this rite during World War II, when native Americans were for the first time drafted into the U.S. military, ethnologist Maud Oakes recorded the legend and made reproductions of the beautiful ceremonial paintings, given to her by the medicine man Jeff King. Originally printed separately in a portfolio, the text and eighteen paintings are now available as a bound book.

From Publishers Weekly:

First published in 1943, this volume records a five-day ceremony performed by Navaho medicine man Jeff King for the first Native American draftees in WW II. Oakes copies sand paintings created during the ritual and recounts a legend of two heroes undergoing rites of passage. (Jan.)no PW review
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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