What is Himdag?
The Tohono O'odham Himdag consists of the culture, way of life, and values that are uniquely held and displayed by the Tohono O’odham people. Himdag incorporates everything in life that makes us unique as individuals and as a people. It is a lifelong journey. The following are elements of Himdag:
Arts (basketry, contemporary and traditional music etc.)
Beliefs
Community (Archie Hendricks Sr., SNF, Tohono O'odham Community College, Tohono O'odham Nation, Family)
Games
Harvesting, traditional foods and hunting
The Tohono O'odham Himdag consists of the culture, way of life, and values that are uniquely held and displayed by the Tohono O’odham people. Himdag incorporates everything in life that makes us unique as individuals and as a people. It is a lifelong journey. The following are elements of Himdag:
Arts (basketry, contemporary and traditional music etc.)
Beliefs
Community (Archie Hendricks Sr., SNF, Tohono O'odham Community College, Tohono O'odham Nation, Family)
Games
Harvesting, traditional foods and hunting
Man In The Maze
The man at the top of the maze depicts birth. By following the white pattern at the top of the maze, the man goes through the maze encountering many turns and changes as in life. As the journey continues, one acquires knowledge, strength and understanding. Nearing the end of the maze, one retreats to a small corner of the maze before reaching the dark center which represents eternal life. Here one repents, cleanses, and reflects back on all the wisdom gained during life’s journey. Finally, pure and in harmony with the world, eternal life is accepted.
The Tohono O’odham Himdag, “way of life,” tells a person how to interact with the environment, what foods to eat, and how to work with the community, thus maintaining a balance with the world. That balance is the key to health.
The man at the top of the maze depicts birth. By following the white pattern at the top of the maze, the man goes through the maze encountering many turns and changes as in life. As the journey continues, one acquires knowledge, strength and understanding. Nearing the end of the maze, one retreats to a small corner of the maze before reaching the dark center which represents eternal life. Here one repents, cleanses, and reflects back on all the wisdom gained during life’s journey. Finally, pure and in harmony with the world, eternal life is accepted.
The Tohono O’odham Himdag, “way of life,” tells a person how to interact with the environment, what foods to eat, and how to work with the community, thus maintaining a balance with the world. That balance is the key to health.
Language (incorporates songs and ceremonies)
Land, environment, seasons (Winter, spring, summer, fall) and elements (Earth, air, fire, wind)
Medicinal plants
Mobility (Walking, running, horses, and wagons)
Past, future, a journey in life
Relatives (Akimel O'odham, Hia Ced O'odham, Kinship)
Songs
Storytelling
Spirituality/Religion (Healing, curing and traditional songs)
Sensitivity
Values (respect)
Archie Hendricks, Sr., Skilled Nursing Facility - Federal Route 15 Milepost 9 - HC 01 Box 9100 - Sells, AZ 85634
(520) 361-1800
(520) 361-1800
Given to us as a gift of our Creator, our Tohono O’odham Himdag has endured through generations. No other Nation can claim it.
It is what makes us
Tohono O’odham.
It is what makes us
Tohono O’odham.
