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by Washington Matthews (Author)
The Gentile System of the Navajo Indians is a book written by Washington Matthews and published in 1890. The book provides an in-depth analysis of the social and political organization of the Navajo tribe, focusing on their traditional system of governance known as the Gentile System. Matthews, who was a physician and ethnologist, spent several years living among the Navajo people, studying their culture and customs. The book begins with an introduction to the history and geography of the Navajo tribe, followed by a detailed description of their social structure. Matthews explains how the Navajo people are divided into clans, which are further divided into sub-clans and families. He also describes the role of the headman, or leader, of each clan and how they interact with other clans and families. The Gentile System, which is the main focus of the book, is a complex system of governance that is based on kinship ties and the principles of consensus and cooperation. Matthews explains how the system works, including how decisions are made and how disputes are resolved. He also provides examples of how the system has been adapted to modern times, including the incorporation of elected officials and the use of written laws. Throughout the book, Matthews provides numerous examples of Navajo customs and traditions, including their religious beliefs, ceremonies, and art. He also includes several illustrations and photographs to help readers better understand the Navajo way of life. Overall, The Gentile System of the Navajo Indians is a valuable resource for anyone interested in Native American culture and history. Matthews' detailed analysis of the Navajo social and political organization provides a unique insight into a complex and fascinating system of governance.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
