The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

NAVAJO INDIANS: NEW MEXICO

IF A MOTHER DIES AT CHILDBIRTH THE BABY IS TAKEN TO
THE TRADING POST AND GIVEN TO THE WHITE TRADERS.
THEY KEEP THEM FOR THEMSELVES OR TURN THEM INTO THE
HOSPITAL. MM
WHEN TWINS ARE BORN, THE STRONGEST ONE IS USUALLY
PICKED OUT AND THE OTHER ONE IS TAKEN AWAY AND LEFT
TO DIE. THERE ARE VERY FEW TWINS ON THE RESERVATION.
A FEW HAVE KEPT THEM IN THE LAST FEW YEARS (1960S)
BUT THIS CUSTOM IS STILL WIDESPREAD.

Where learned: NEW MEXICO ; SHIPROCK

Date learned: NOT GIVEN