Book

Yuman tribes of the Gila River

University of Chicago PressChicago • Published In 1933 • Pages: xviii, 433 , 15 plates

By: Spier, Leslie.

Abstract
Based on fieldwork, this volume supplies a general ethnographic account, including information on subsistence techniques, food preparation, diet, houses, clothing, industries, daily routine, concepts of time, the kinship system, warfare, names, religious beliefs, burial customs, child care, puberty observances, and folklore; largely reconstructions of pre-reservation life based on historical sources and informant accounts. Comparisons are made throughout the text with neighboring groups and the presence or absence of important cultural traits is noted. The opening text deals with the history and distribution of different River Yuman groups and attempts to reconstruct the history of relocations in this area. The final chapter is devoted to texts and summaries for a number of Maricopa myths.
Subjects
Cultural identity and pride
Tillage
Hunting and trapping
Food preparation
Diet
Community structure
Settlement patterns
Dwellings
Normal garb
Kin relationships
Burial practices and funerals
General character of religion
Prayers and sacrifices
Puberty and initiation
Verbal arts
Inter-ethnic relations
Family relationships
Historical reconstruction
Traditional history
culture
Maricopa
HRAF PubDate
2015
Region
North America
Sub Region
Southwest and Basin
Document Type
Book
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnologist
Document Rating
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Betty Potash ; 1961
Field Date
1929-1932
Coverage Date
1774-1932
Coverage Place
southwest Arizona and southeast California, United States (Gila and lower Colorado River valleys)
Notes
Leslie Spier
'Maricopa music by George Herzog': p. 271-279 (Words and music: p. 274-279)
'Tales': p. 345-425
'This study is based on fieldwork jointly sponsored by Yale University and the University of Chicago.'--p. [vii]
'The descriptions of the present account apply to the Maricopa unless specifically ascribed to the other tribes'--Pref., p. ix.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 423-425)
LCCN
33028715
LCSH
Yuman Indians
Maricopa Indians
America--Arizona