People of the Legends
Indigenous People of North America - Navajo
Culture and Customs - Clans
A clan is several families who have common ancestors and share the same name. (Tell me about Tribes and Nations)
Clan names
The four original Navajo clans created by Changing Woman were Towering House, One Who Walks Around You, Bitter Water, and Mud.
These clans lived in the area bordered by the four sacred mountains.
Some other clans are:
Feather People |
Salt Clan |
Deer People |
Folded Arms People |
Mohave Clan |
Blue Bird People |
Hunger People |
Mountain Cove Clan |
Meadow People |
People of the Valley |
Near the Mountain Clan |
Little Deer People |
Belonging to clans
Each Navajo belongs to four different clans:
- Their mother’s clan – they are “born-to” their mother and her clan
- Their father’s clan – they are “born-for” their father and his clan
- Their maternal grandfather’s clan (their mother’s father)
- Their paternal grandfather’s clan (their father’s father).
Meeting new people
When people meet and introduce themselves they say their mother’s clan name, their father’s clan name, their maternal grandfather’s and paternal grandfather’s clan names in that order.
Navajo brothers and sisters
When two Navajos from the same clan meet for the first time, they call each other ‘brother’ or ‘sister.’
Navajo cousins think of each other as brother and sister also. Adults are expected to marry someone from another clan.
Why clans are important today
Navajo clans are still important today. When a stranger visits town, members of their clan will offer them food and a place to stay.
Clans keep people together and give support and strength when people need help. People can always be among relatives inside a clan.
