Autobiography Of A Papago Women Analysis

In Maria Chona’s “Autobiography of a Papago Women” (1936), the author speaks in detail about the Folkways of the Papago people and their change and continuity in the face of encounters with other cultures over the centuries. Maria Chona was very closely connected to the land being that she grew up amongst the desert. Culture was a great deal to her and her family since they followed the traditions that were performed by past generations. However, throughout the years the culture became civilized. There was also acts of extreme cruelty and brutality amongst the Papago and Apache people. Both of these tribes fought for power and pride. The very fact that the autobiography was written is strong evidence that culture is a prime concern of Maria …show more content…
(pg. 46-47 “Then they took my father in the dark before…. basket in deerskin and hung it in the thatch and we had power.”), gender norms based on sex taboos around procreation (pg. 66 “We were careful when the baby was coming…. Then go to the medicine man and be cleansed”). Although this was part of their culture these acts seemed superstitious. Maria Chona was skeptical and freighted by the Apache scalp that was hanging in her house. For the Apaches were also barbarous with their killing of the Papago people and the fights that would occur. (pg. 42 “Many, many songs they sang but I…. So he was dead and my father and his brother were Enemy Slayers”). The concepts that Ruth Underhill gives in this autobiography are useful and reasonable because they Papago people were unique and had a separate culture for everyone else. They followed different beliefs from others. In Conclusion she has a strong pride for her heritage and is passionate about sharing her experience. Growing up as a young woman in the Papago culture, she had to follow the rituals and always defended her culture by merely stating that “this is good” and “I like this”. Her culture continued into today’s era by the Papago people, but has also changed and developed. They also showed solitude by having wars, and hanging the scalp of men they kill inside their homes. The Papago Women give a great example to always be content with what you have and stay strong in your