Wisdom Sits in Places

In Chapter 1, Charles Henry describes how his tour of Western Apache places reflects the changing context in which those names were bestowed. Describe each of these conditions and discuss how each set of conditions furthers our understanding of the function of place-names. 

Basso states that anthropologists must use ethnography to fully understand the significance of statements about the land. Choose an example of a situation in which Basso used ethnographic research to understand utterances by Western Apache individuals and discuss how it helped Basso interpret what was said.

In Chapter 2, Basso focuses his analysis on a series of statements by Western Apache individuals. Choose three of the statements and explain how each reveals a different aspect of the importance of place for the Western Apache.

Throughout the book, Basso explains how the Western Apache manner of preserving history is different from that of Anglo-American historians. Discuss the ways in which these methods of preserving history are different.  

In Chapter 2, Basso states that “some Apache assert that historical tales, like arrows, leave wounds” (60). Describe why the metaphor of storytelling as hunting is helpful for understanding the Western Apache sense of place, citing examples from the text. 

Basso structures the book as essays centered on four individuals who offer slightly different perspectives on place in Western Apache culture. Describe the contribution each of these individuals makes to Basso’s understanding of the Western Apache sense of place. 

In Chapter 3, Basso describes an interaction in which he observes a group of Western Apache “speaking with names.” What is “speaking with names,” and what does the practice demonstrate about the significance of place for the Western Apache?

When Basso seeks to understand the Western Apache conception of wisdom, he receives what is at first a bewildering reply from Dudley Patterson. Describe how Basso uses linguistic analysis and ethnographic research to gain insight into Patterson’s answer.