Jeff King (Navajo) facts for kids
Jeff King (born around 1865, died 1964) was a very important Navajo leader. He was known in the Navajo language as Hashkeh-yilth-e-yah. Jeff King served as a US Army scout for many years, from 1891 to 1911. After his time as a scout, he became a highly respected hataałii, which means a traditional Navajo singer or medicine man.
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Early Life and Home
Jeff King was likely born in Rock Springs, New Mexico, around 1865, according to army records. However, his family believed he might have been born earlier, possibly as early as 1851. For most of his life, he lived in Pinedale, New Mexico, which is located on the Navajo Reservation. This area was his home and where he practiced his important spiritual work.
Helping Young Warriors in World War II
When the United States joined World War II in 1941, many young Navajo men left their homes on the reservation to serve in the army. This was a big change for them, as they were going far away from their land and their families. To help these young men stay strong and healthy in spirit, Jeff King performed a special ceremony for them.
This ceremony was called Where the Two Came to Their Father. It tells an ancient story about two young heroes who visit their father, the Sun, in his hogan (a traditional Navajo home). They return with special powers to defeat monsters that are causing trouble for their people. The ceremony lasted two days and included many songs and beautiful, detailed sand paintings. The main goal was to protect the souls of the young Navajo soldiers as they went off to fight.
Around the time of World War II, an artist and ethnologist named Maud Oakes was living on the Navajo Reservation. An ethnologist is someone who studies different cultures and peoples. With Jeff King's permission, Maud Oakes carefully recorded the entire Where the Two Came to Their Father ceremony. She wrote down the songs and stories, and she also drew the amazing sand paintings.
Later, Maud Oakes published a book about the ceremony. It was called Where the Two Came to Their Father: A Navaho War Ceremonial. The book included her drawings and the text of the ceremony, along with comments from a mythologist named Joseph Campbell. This book is one of the most complete records of a Navajo ritual that we have today. It helps us understand the rich traditions of the Navajo people.
Other Important Ceremonies
Jeff King was also known for performing two other very important Navajo ceremonies:
- The Hózhǫ́ǫ́jí, also known as the Blessing Way. This ceremony is about creating balance, harmony, and good health in life.
- The Anaaʼjí, also known as the Enemy Way. This ceremony is performed to help people who have been exposed to enemies or warfare, bringing them back into balance and peace.
These ceremonies show how deeply connected Jeff King was to the spiritual well-being of his community.
Later Life and Legacy
Jeff King passed away in January 1964. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, which is a famous military cemetery near Washington, D.C.. He was the first Navajo person to be buried there. His life showed a strong connection to both his Navajo heritage and his service to the United States.
See also
- Code talkers
- Diné Bahaneʼ
- Navajo people
- Wind Talkers
