Born a Chief: The Nineteenth Century Hopi Boyhood of Edmund Nequatewa, as Told to Alfred F. Whiting

Anthropological linguist Seaman (co-editor of Havasupai Habitat , by his mentor Alfred Whiting) brings to light one of the very few authentic autobiographical accounts by a Hopi. Originally recorded by Whiting 50 years ago, the book details the life of Nequatewa from his childhood until the evening in his early 20s when he believes he became a man. Born around 1880 on the Hopi reservation in northern Arizona into a family of hereditary chiefs, Nequatewa had experiences that were, in many ways, typical of the best and brightest Native youths of the period. He lived a traditional early life, learning Hopi tribal ways from his family (he depicts the importance of religious practice among the tribe lovingly and vividly). He was sent away to boarding school in Phoenix but rebelled against the institution's attempts to assimilate Native youths and its regimen of harsh discipline. His schooling finished, he returned to the reservation. Whiting and Seaman have been careful to preserve Nequatewa's original voice, with its faulty English grammar and rough edges. Often rambling, the account is filled with digressions. This is an important addition to Native American studies. Photos not seen by PW. (Mar.)