The Navajo of North America Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Navajo of North America - Research Paper Example These dwelling were designed to accommodate their economic activities across the seasons of the year (Iverson, 1981). The nomadic lifestyles of these people also accommodated the old gathering practices in addition to the crop growing activities which were later assimilated from the neighbors they came into contact with during their migratory patterns. The traditional economic organization of the Navajo formed groups of men who raided other communities for livestock. The raiding parties were composed of able bodied men whose expeditions led to the expansion of the herds of sheep and goats that were reared within the Navajo area. The community also formed traveling groups during their nomadic life. These groups traveled long distances in search of greener pastures and water for their livestock (Brugge, 1983). This was motivated by ambitions of attaining economic status in the community through the ownership of livestock. Moreover, there was need for commerce where animal products were exchanged for money in addition to the needs of the family for food. The economic organization of the Navajo revolved around the rearing of goats and sheep in addition to the growing of crops. These practices were adopted from the Spanish and the Pueblos whom they came into contact with during the 17th century. The animal products from sheep and goats were important for either personal use or for sale. The Navajo area expanded with the growth in the agricultural activities of rearing livestock and growing of crops. There was need for more land to accommodate their animals and crops and hence they increased their settlement into a larger portion of land through acquisitions (Carlson, 2006). The agricultural activities of the Navajo people were improved by the innovations in technology and farm equipment which facilitated