For video examples of some documented versions of the traditional sign for
Navajo, see:
https://youtu.be/AMc41nEEnWM?t=238
NAVAJO / Version 1
(General Hugh L. Scott version) [BLANKET STRIPED PEOPLE]
Notes:
General Hugh L. Scott (United States) signs "Navajo" by showing the signs:
BLANKET STRIPED PEOPLE. He did the "stripes" on the wrist and back of the
hand rather than the forearm.
https://www.criticalpast.com/video/65675032983_General-Hugh-L-Scott_Indian-sign-language_sign-Navajo_Smithsonian-Institution
NAVAJO / Version 2
(William Tomkins version) [make-[WORK] BLANKET STRIPED]
Notes:
In William Tompkins book "Indian
Sign Language" the word "Navajo" is explained as being a combination of the
(Native American signs) WORK BLANKET STRIPED (in that order) which can be
interpreted as meaning "makes striped blankets" (and thus "Navajo").
Source: Tomkins, William (1969) "Indian Sign Language," Dover
Publications.
NAVAJO / Version 3 / "blanket fringe"
(From a White, Hearing signer in New Mexico who claims to have learned that
version from a Deaf Native
American person).
However, use that version with caution. It may be a highly mutated version of "STRIPED."
Traditional Navajo weaving did not result in a fringe type of edge but rather
resulted in a tight edge which resulted in a better product -- of higher quality
and usability.
If I see some authoritative "modern" sources signing Navajo I'll come back here
and update this page (if I'm alive).
Also see: The sign for Native American
Notes:
The 1885 William Clark book "The Indian Sign Language" explains the "Indian"
sign for Blanket: "Wrapping about shoulders. Bring the closed hands, palms
towards each other, opposite and near each shoulder; move the right hand to
left, left to right, terminating movement when wrists are crossed, right hand
nearest body."
Source: Clark, William Philo (1885) The Indian Sign Language: With Brief
Explanatory Notes of the Gestures Taught Deaf-mutes in Our Institutions for
Their Instruction and a Description of Some of the Peculiar Laws, Customs,
Myths, Superstitions, Ways of Living, Code of Peace and War Signals of Our
Aborigines. 443 pages.
"Navajo (Indian). Make sign for Work or Make, for Blanket,
and for Striped."
See:
https://youtu.be/AMc41nEEnWM?t=238
Discussion:
The "right" sign for various Native American related signs depends on which
indigenous people you ask.
When I posted a version of a sign for the concept of "indigenous" to one
of my channels a viewer commented with an inflammatory label about my showing
that version of the sign and they told me I should "check out the right sign
created by indigenous people." I proceeded to point out to the commenter
that the indigenous people at https://www.turtleislandhandtalk.com/ very much
prefer the version I showed.
The clip being discussed was just one of several versions that I posted at the
time - all based on research.
I pointed out examples of that particular version of the sign.
See the :59 second mark of the video titled "Indigenous in American Sign
Language" posted at the Council de Manos YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/c2-FJbEGqhY?t=59
Also for a different reference, see the 3:20 mark of this video: https://youtu.be/iJzDb0ZWZeU?t=200
For yet another example see the :42 mark of this video: https://youtu.be/wO-FMbD4MW8?t=40
I told the commenter:
"I could post for you another half-dozen video examples from native Deaf signers
using that sign but what would be the point? You might assume I'm trying to
defend that particular version of the sign (over other versions of the sign).
I'm not at all. I'm just pointing out that I didn't invent that version of sign,
that it was simply one version that was popular at the time of posting (and
still seems very popular with some groups), and that it has been blogged about
by Melanie McKay-Cody (of Cherokee ancestry) and used by others.
If you don't believe Dr. McKay-Cody then see: https://youtu.be/QLVGRmm1tcc
Recommending that I "check out" the right sign assumes that I haven't already
done so prior to posting.
I thoroughly checked out various signs used and promoted by indigenous groups
and posted more than one version to this channel since more than one version is
(or was at the time) being used -- depending on which indigenous group.
It is a mistake to assume all indigenous people believe the exact same thing or
support the same exact sign versions."
_________________________
"I'm pretty sure you don't know me and know nothing about my
ancestry. If you did you would know my grandpa was full Navajo. He lived (among
other places) in Crowheart, Wyoming where he raised sheep and cattle. My mom
felt the sting of discrimination throughout her life due to her heritage. She
taught me to respect all people. I make no claim to being Navajo since I was not
raised in the culture but I am a direct descendent of the Navajo and have
immense respect for my ancestors."
(William G. Vicars)
Notes: