Pattern and Process in Ritual Syncretism: The Case of Peyotism among the Navajo

A previously undescribed form of syncretic peyote ritual is summarized, which appears to represent a general paradigm for blending Peyotism and traditional Navajo religion. The thesis is advanced that the past and future process of ritual syncretism on the Navajo reservation is best comprehended by the structural character of the two religions. The rituals are blended in such a way that the basic units of Navajo ceremonialism remain intact. This reflects the general "incorporative" model that has been followed in Navajo acculturation for three centuries or more.