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Ronald J. Kurtz Cañoncito Navajo research papers

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-758-BC

Scope and Content

The collection consists of Ronald Kurtz' field journal, field notes, censuses, court records, school records, drafts of unpublished papers, and historical research used in writing his dissertation, "Role Change and Cultural Change: The Cañoncito Navajo Case." The collection is divided into 2 series: Field Research and Historical Research. The Field Research series consists of Kurtz' field journal, field notes, court notes, meeting notes, statements/notes on Navajo land claims, and notes on genealogy and kinship. The field journal records Kurtz' informal observations of and interactions in the day-to-day life of the Cañoncito Navajo, 1954-1958. The field notes are more formal, having been elicited from interviews with natives of Cañoncito and with an extension agent from the United Pueblos Agency. The interviews were for the purpose of reconstructing earlier Cañoncito life (largely, early 20th century) and understanding and comparing this with the structure and details of their then current (mid-1950's) way of life. Topics addressed in Kurtz' field research run the gamut, including kinship, gender roles, religion, subsistence, personal/community relationships, education, economics, land, government, etc. Historical Research consists of census materials (largely from the United Pueblos Agency); historical notes from sources including the National Archives; notes on people, place, and plant names as well as descriptions of Navajo camps, maps, fee patents, and land inheritances. This series also contains typescripts of unpublished papers and articles by Kurtz and a few typescripts by Juanita Platero and Siyo Miller.

Dates

  • 1945-1963
  • Majority of material found in 1957

Creator

Language of Materials

English Navajo

Access Restrictions

Prior to being given access to the collection, researchers must sign a consent form stating that they "will not divulge information that would be an invasion of privacy of living individuals," and agreeing not to divulge names of individuals mentioned in the interviews.

Access to the collection is via 2 rolls of microfilm shelved with CSWR microfilm collection (CSWR Microfilm MSS 758).

Copy Restrictions

Limited duplication of CSWR material is allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biographical Information

Ronald J. Kurtz received his M.A. (1956) and Ph.D. (1963) in Anthropology from the University of New Mexico. The majority of Kurtz' professional career was spent as an instructor (1961-1963), assistant professor (1963-1967) associate professor (1967-1970), professor (1970-1997) and currently, professor emeritus in the Anthropology Department at Grinnell College in Iowa.

Extent

1 box (1 cu. ft.)

Abstract

The collection consists of Ronald Kurtz' field journal and field notes, as well as census data, court records, school records, drafts of unpublished papers, and historical research gathered for his dissertation, "Role Change and Cultural Change: The Cañoncito Navajo Case."

Arrangement

2 series: Field Research, Historical Research

Microfilm Edition

Entire collection has been microfilmed. (CSWR Microfilm MSS 758) Researchers are required to use microfilm rather than originals.
Title
Finding Aid of the Ronald J. Kurtz Cañoncito Navajo research papers, 1945-1963
Status
Approved
Author
Processed by B. Silbergleit
Date
©2005
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

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