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=Food, Clothing & Housing= Corn was and is an essential food for the Navajo and was eaten fresh or ground and made into breads. In addition to corn, squash, beans, deer, sheep, rabbits, prairie dogs and other animals were cultured or hunted ("First Americans"). ** Today's male Navajo generation dresses in collarless, well fitting shirts left open under the arms, breeches that extend below the knees, deerskin moccasins, and leggings (from moccasin to knee) supported by garters ("Navajo People - Dine"). Earlier generations of Navajo people dressed in deerskin clothing, native blankets and moccasins ("Navajo People - Dine"). Deerskin dresses for women gave way to the "squaw-dress"; this dress was constructed of "two small blankets laced together at the sides, leaving arm-holes, and without being closed at top or bottom. The top then was laced together, leaving an opening for the head..." ("Navajo People - Dine"). Of course, "modern" clothing can and is worn. ** Traditionally, Navajo live in hogans: sacred Navajo houses. These hogans are constructed of logs, tree bark, grasses and earth in a cylindrical/conical shape with a dome-shaped top. There is a hole in the top of the hogan to allow smoke to escape (from the central fire). The doorway is placed at the east side of the house to allow in sun and good blessings ("Navajo People - Dine"). Though many Navajo people choose to live in more modern housing, they still have a hogan for balance and ceremonies ("Navajo People - Dine").


 * Home | We Shall Remain | Navajo | Culture | Creation & Art | **Food, Clothing & Housing** | Reference |

"Dine (Navajo) Food." //First Americans//. Web. 1 Dec 2009. . "Navajo Clothing." //Navajo People - Dine//. 2008. Navajo Arts, Web. 1 Dec 2009. . "Navajo Hogans." //Navajo People - Dine//. 2008. Navajo Arts, Web. 1 Dec 2009. .