Papago Indian Lifestyle

 In the primary source Papago Women by Ruth M. Underhill, Underhill interviews and writes about the lifestyle of a Papago women named Chona in the 1930's. Chona was born on the reservation where she experienced the Papago traditions, ceremonies, and lifestyle. Chona's family and surrounding neighbors all lived in grass houses. Chona's father was the cheif of their village and she learned many skills through her brothers, father, and husbands. Women were not recognized as shamans or healers so Chona was never officially a healer in the community. Other Papago Indians around Chona knew what she could do so they brought their children to her anyways. Chona experienced Papago religious ceremonies first hand, but did not discuss their background or stories. The picture is of a grass hut, the women outside is fixing a basket. The Papago Indian women were very handy around the home, but were not allowed to be a part of many religious ceremonies the Papago performed.