Totsoh South, Lukachukai by junge1
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Description
Totsoh South is a sub-division within Lukachukai, Navajo Reservation. The day had been overcast with snow flurries in the morning, but by noon it started to clear up.
This is a typical scene within Lukachukai with the Lukachukai Mountains in the background. The hogan visible in the center appears to be fairly new and maybe prefabricated and appears to be the primary home. The stacked wood is in preparation for the winter. Lukachukai is at an elevation of slightly above 6,000-ft.
The preference of hogan construction and use is still very popular among the Navajos, although the use of it as a home shelter dwindled through the 1900's, due mainly by the requirements by many Navajos to acquire homes built through government and lender funding - which largely ignored the hogan-style and the sacred space - in preference for low cost, low bid HUD (U.S. Housing and Urban Development) - standardized construction.
With government and lender requirements requiring low costs, as well as bathrooms and kitchens, the hogan as a person's home was dwindling away, save for those who build their own.
That began to officially change in the late 1990's with various small projects to find ways to bring the hogan back. In 2001, it began changing significantly with a joint-venture of a partnership involving the Navajo Nation, Northern Arizona University, the US Forest Service and other private and public partners - to begin manufacturing and building log hogans from a Navajo-majority owned log home factory in Cameron, Arizona, next to the Cameron Chapter House.
Using surplus small-diameter wood being culled out of the Northern Arizona forests to mitigate devastating wildfires, and with a series of meetings between elders, medicine men, and project leaders - a log hogan revival is being born right on the Navajo Nation.
While keeping the sacred space of the hogan relatively untouched, and also meeting the requirements for modern home amenities, an ancient tradition is now once again beginning to flourish. Along with assuring the survival of a cultural heritage, this project has also created new jobs, summer school construction experience for Navajo teens, and public buildings, and much more (Wikipedia).
This picture was taken on 17 November 2003,
Sig...
Comments (42)
rocdan
outstanding capture beautiful very well done
Faemike55
Great photo and fascinating and great information Very cool Sig
mickeyrony
That look like unreal Hiii... But it is true. Hiiiii Great pic of this place for sure ((5++))
jocko500
that good. if you ask me it would look like the makeing of a hogan be cheap to make. i do not know about the bath rooms or kitchens in a hogan as I do not know about they way of life at all. i see they still use wood to heat houses still.
Richardphotos
I do not see any Chevy pickups but one Chevy van. beautiful landscape Sig
kgb224
Superb capture my friend. God Bless.
RodS
Good that these traditions are being revived. A wonderful photo - the sunlight on the formations in the background make this spectacular photo really pop! Excellent!
0rest4wicked
This is a beauty shot, what "Big sky"!
junge1
@ Richardphotos: The Chevy pickups are probably out in the woods getting more firewood lol!
bobrgallegos
Wonderful capture Sig of this beautiful landscape!! Very interesting information!
renecyberdoc
yeah must keep the culture. the chase for money and gold ruined these people and now the least the whiteys can do is keep the culture supported.
Hendesse
An excellent shot and very interesting informations. Very beautiful sky and light.
Dreamingbee
so great to see this amazing landscape and your informations about , Sig !
jayfar
A very beautiful scene with the sun striking selected parts.
auntietk
Oh my. Just look at the light on those rocks! Gorgeous. If I had that view, I'd never go anywhere. Great capture!
bazza
Great shot and info Sig great that they are using the hogan's still..
gaius
I remember...I was invited by an Indian named Dennis (?) but I declined the invetation because he was already drunk...a pity. Thanks for sharing.
UteBigSmile
Love this capture a lot!
crunch01
great pic and thank you for the great info!
DamienDevil
Wonderful capture!
nefertiabet
Das ist schön zu hören, dass alte Kulturen und ihre Werte wieder aufleben!!!Thanks
casmindo
Nice Job Sig! The Navajo people have a beautiful heritage
thecytron
Xcellent DOF!
sharky_
Beautiful view.. Aloha
bkhook
Awesome picture and history.
jophoto
Lovely lighting. great info.
debbielove
Great read Sig! And fabulous picture, I love the sun shining on those hills at the back there, wonderful.. A fine and interesting shot! Rob
photosynthesis
Fine shot & definitely worth a zoom...
drifterlee
Gorgeous shot!!!!!!
Jean_C
Splendid landscape and photo!