UCLA anthropologist Peter Nabokov is an expert on Native American culture and art. Before participating in a panel on what images of the afterlife say about a society, he revealed in the Zócalo green room what his car says about him, and his spirits of choice—when he’s drinking or looking to a higher power.
What’s your favorite English word with Native American etymology?
Succotash.
What’s on your nightstand right now?
Probably six open novels. Collusion [by Stuart Neville] is one. Welcome to Hard Times [by E.L. Doctorow] is another. Hard Country [by Michael McGarrity] is another. Spies of the Balkans [by Alan Furst] is another.
What’s the worst gift you’ve ever received?
My wife and I received a gift that was made out of metal, painted with enamel paint, that looked like a woman in a short skirt.
What’s your fondest childhood memory?
My mother coming home from work with a little red truck.
What’s your spirit of choice?
Just the clouds.
I meant alcoholic spirit.
A single malt. On the rocks.
Where would we find you at 9 p.m. on a typical Friday night?
At home, reading.
What won’t you eat?
I’m pretty omnivorous. Raw onions.
What can someone tell about you from your car?
Inexpensive and efficient. A Honda hatchback—manual.
Describe your singing in one sentence or one word.
Gorgeous