Wisdom Sits In Places: Summary
In the second and third chapters in Basso’s book, Wisdom Sits In Places: Landscape and
Language Among the Western Apache, he discusses and explores the fundamental Western
Apache tradition of place-names and story telling. He focuses primarily on storytelling in the second chapter and place-names in the third. Basso tells of his experience working with Nick
Thompson, an informer of Apache culture and friend of Basso for more than 25 years Thompson informs Basso that learning the place-name of the area is an extremely important first step in learning about Apache culture. As Basso really identifies in his third chapter, place-names are extremely important in Western Apache storytelling.
Western Apache storytelling can be divided into four narrative categories: myth, historical tale, saga, and gossip. The Western Apaches distinguish between the categories based on time and purpose. Apache myths focus on how the world and universe was created and how all things in the present became what they are now. Myths are only told by medicine men and women to those who seek
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Speaking with names is an Apache practice use place-names to criticize the morality of others. This practice allows the speaker to not only critic others, but also to express their own morality and stance on issues. Basso uses the example of Lola Machuse to explain more about place-names. Basso spend some time at Machuse’s camp, during that time Machuse recalled a conversation she and some fellow women had. Her account offered an essential look into place-names, however, more was needed to get a substantial understanding of Apache language. With more work and the help of Lola Machuse, Basso came to the conclusion that the Apache language is very visual and that place-names help with seeing what is being said. The Apache people basically use to create “pictures” in the minds of the people participating in the
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