1968 Navajoland, U.S.A.
DESCRIPTION
This highly-detailed pictorial map of Navajoland, U.S.A. was published by the Navajo Tribal Council’s Museum and Research Department in Window Rock, Arizona, 1968. Vibrant, detailed, and richly illustrated, the map celebrates the cultural, geographic, and historic landscape of the Navajo Nation, presenting it not merely as a destination but as a sovereign homeland with deep traditions.
Examining the Map
The map is a lively illustrated portrayal of the Navajo Nation, spanning portions of Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah, and filled with vignettes depicting traditional lifeways, historic sites, trading posts, weaving, pottery, wildlife, and iconic landmarks such as Monument Valley, Canyon de Chelly, Shiprock, and Rainbow Bridge. Roads, scenic viewpoints, and community centers are shown with clear, friendly visual cues, making the map simultaneously informative and accessible. The border artwork and inset scenes reinforce the sense of Navajo cultural identity, presenting a narrative landscape rather than a strictly geographic one.
Illustrated Reverse Panels
The reverse side unfolds into a photographic and textual guide highlighting important cultural and natural features of Navajoland. Scenes of traditional transportation, herding, weaving, and daily life appear alongside dramatic images of sandstone monuments, ruins such as White House in Canyon de Chelly, the view into Monument Valley, and volcanic formations like Shiprock. Additional pages offer welcoming text from the Navajo Nation, emphasizing sovereignty, cultural strength, and the diversity of environments across Navajo Country. Short essays and captioned photographs introduce visitors to both the scenic splendor and the living traditions of the region.
Historical and Cultural Context
Produced shortly after the Navajo Nation celebrated its century of progress in 1968, this map reflects a period of cultural affirmation and economic development within the reservation. It presents Navajoland as a sovereign nation with its own identity, traditions, and modern aspirations, promoting tourism while foregrounding Navajo perspectives and stewardship of the land. The combination of illustrated cartography, photography, and interpretive text offers an immersive view into the Navajo homeland at a time when Native nations increasingly shaped their own narratives in educational and promotional materials. As both a travel guide and a cultural document, it remains a visually striking and historically meaningful representation of the Navajo Nation.
CONDITION
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