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Navajo Skinwalkers – Witches of the Southwest Skinwalker, a Navajo Witch In the Navajo culture, a skinwalker is a type of harmful witch who has the ability to turn into, possess, or disguise themselves as an animal. This witch is called “yee naaldlooshii” by the Navajo, which translates to “with it, he goes on all fours.”
Where did the legend of the Skinwalkers come from?
The legend of the skinwalkers originates from the Navajo, a southwestern Native American tribe. 7. In the Navajo language, the word “skinwalker” is yee naagloshii and translates to “he who walks on all fours.” 8.
What do the Navajo wear on their skin?
Because of this, the Navajo consider it taboo for its members to wear the pelt of any predatory animal. However, sheepskin, leather, and buckskin are acceptable. The skinwalkers are also able to take possession of the bodies of human victims if a person locks eyes with them.
What does the skinwalker do to their victims?
The Skinwalker kills out of greed, anger, envy, spite, or revenge. It also robs graves for personal wealth and to collect much-needed ingredients for use in black magic. These witches live on the unexpired lives of their victims and they must continually kill or perish themselves.
Because of this legend, it’s considered taboo to wear the skin of animals in traditional Navajo culture, other than simple buckskin or sheepskin, though both are only used in religious or ceremonial purposes.
Can a skinwalker turn into an animal?
In some legends, they must eat a part of the person. In killing a loved one, a Skinwalker becomes more beast than human. Once this act is completed, the Skinwalker can shape shift into any animal they chose. The most common of animals is the coyote, owl, fox, wolf, and crow.
How did the Navajo get their powers?
The knowledge of these powers is passed down from the elders through the generations. The Navajo are part of a larger culture area that also includes the Pueblo people, Apache, Hopi, Ute, and other groups that also have their own versions of the Skinwalker, but each includes a malevolent witch capable of transforming itself into an animal.