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Of Mother Earth and Father Sky
Item#: B005
price: $10.00

A Photographic Study of Navajo Culture:

Of Mother Earth and Father Sky is a portrayal of life and balance of life, between two entities central to Navajo philosophy. "The earth is considered female and called mother (Nihodzáán)," the text begins "because it nurtures life . . . the sky (Yadiłhił) is male (and provides) life-giving rain . . ."

In this text the reader will find much more than a discussion of these concepts; the book contains a brief history of the Navajo people and an extraordinary portrayal of Navajo life by acclaimed Navajo photographer Fred Bia, studying under Ansel Adams and Cole Weston, Bia's style is distinctive and fresh: his black-and-white landscapes and portraits are studies in the balance of light, contrast and tone. Bia's camera lens reveals the true meaning of the book's title, and the nature connections between Navajo People, the land and their history.

Navajo Curriculum Center
Rough Rock Community School
Rough Rock Arizona 86503

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It is rewarding to know that photography is being applied to the Cultural Program at the Rough Rock Demonstration School. Not only is photography an important art medium but it is capable of bringing the land to the people, and people to people. It thereby enlarges human understanding and communication.

- Ansel Adams
February 25, 1983

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We are all aware that photography is one of the most effective means of communication. It is certainly one of the best methods to convey a message about a group of people, their interests, and their causes. Therefore I feel that many more Indian people should go into this medium as one vehicle to express their feelings about their people. Through photography, they can show others their experiences, what they have gone through, and how they view the world. This task should not be left to just a few individuals. Many more Indian people should become involved in the medium.

- Cole Weston
March 31, 1983

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