23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest The American Experience
Portrait of a Young Navajo Woman

Portrait of a Navajo shimá, or godmother, who was chosen from the community to guide a young woman through her kinaaldá, or maturation ceremony, and impart desired qualities upon her.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Gallup, New Mexico, United States of America
Camera: Canon EOS 6D
Copyright: © Christopher Carpenter