No.^79]^' ^^^' THE RAMAH NAVAHO — KLUCKHOHN 349 



stress is not only on quantity ("lots of property," "big herds," "plenty to eat"), 

 but on quality ("nice things to wear," "good horses"). . . . the statements 

 examined evidence a surprisingly intense interest in making money, saving money, 

 and getting wagework for money as well as a deprecation of losing money through 

 gambling. The value placed on money (though not on property) may be regarded 

 as an index of acculturation. [Ibid., p. 28.] 



Sheer accumulation of wealth is of less importance than its display or its 

 generous distribution. . . . Through the possession of property one can "go 

 anywhere without being ashamed." The way to earn money, to acquire property, 

 and to become a rich man is by working hard. 



But far outweighing hard work as a means of accumulating wealth is the 

 caution to preserve one's possessions. 



... a set of socio-economic values which regulates the accumulation of wealth 

 and dictates the manner of its distribution: "don't be too rich," "never get poor," 

 "look after your family," and "help people out." [Ibid., p. 29.] 



OCCUPATIONAL SPECIALIZATION 



In 1950, tliere were 21 ceremonial practitioners including those who 

 practiced divination by hand trembling. The only singer of consider- 

 able standing died in this year, and his death left his two brothers 

 (one not a singer but a practitioner of Blessing Way) as the only 

 respected ritualists, though there were a number of "mouth-put men" 

 (i.e., "amateurs" who know only excerpts of a rite and its accompany- 

 ing myth). Eight individuals (four of them women) practiced 

 divination. All ceremonialists gained some income, but only the 

 one singer, the conductor of Blessing Way, and three of the diviners 

 devoted a significant segment of their time to these activities. There 

 were also four recognized herbalists (three of them women) who 

 gathered plants for rites and as folk medicine (including herbs for 

 abortion and birth control). 



One man and his two wives were silversmiths at this time. Thirty- 

 three women did some weaving, but only seven or eight could be 

 considered regular weavers. The last potter was dead. Only one 

 woman still made baskets. Three elderly men made moccasins for 

 sale as well as for themselves and their families. Some men and some 

 women had reputations for special skills as shearers of sheep. Other- 

 wise the only occupational specialization was along sex lines: Women 

 primarily but not exclusively did the cooking and looked after the 

 children; men broke horses and looked after cattle; the sheep were 

 cared for by children and by adults of both sexes; and heavy farmwork 

 was carried out mainly by men, with women and children doing the 

 weeding and other lighter work. Ramah women do not sing at 

 ceremonials, but women singers have been imported from other areas. 



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