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Topical Research and Writings

 Sub-Series

Scope and Contents

From the Series: Malcolm Farmer spent a lot of time among the Navaho, including as a student at the University of Arizona; Desert Laboratory, Southwest Museum, l935; Soil Conservation Service, Arizona-New Mexico, l935 on the Social and Economic Survey of the Navajo; Navajo Service, Arizona-New Mexico l938; Navajo Tribal Council – Arizona, New Mexico l950-52, as researcher and expert witness for the lands case Navajo Nation v. United State of America. He spoke of Navaho as his "second language." His letter of introduction from the Navaho Tribal Council Chairman Sam Ahkeah, July 15, l952 stated : "Mr. Farmer is working for the Navajo people…seeking to establish the original Navajo boundaries, /and/ should be given the fullest cooperation of every Navajo in every possible way." Mrs. Farmer has testimonials from the Navajo to his good work for the benefit of the Navaho Nation. In his home is a small but very fine YII woven tapestry that was given to him by the Navaho Tribal Council. He continued to research a variety of subjects: ethno-botany, bear ceremonialism, pottery, rock art, and writing various manuscripts detailed here. By l980 his interest in bear ritualism became the focus of his work.

Dates

  • 1935-2001

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 5 boxes (5 cu. ft.), plus 1 extra oversized folder

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451