Seven Mohave Myths

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

46336

Title

Seven Mohave Myths

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Anthropologist A. L. Kroeber presents seven Mohave myths, primarily the creation story of the culture hero Mastamho. The text explores how these narratives function as ritualized songs and dreams, detailing the invention of plants, languages, and tribal identities while examining the unique oral traditions of the Colorado River region.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Seven Mohave Myths*, A. L. Kroeber presents a scholarly collection documenting the rich mythology of the Mohave people, centered largely on Mastamho, the culture hero responsible for creating the world's resources. The text reveals that Mohave myths are not simple linear plots but elaborate song series validated by dreams. Informants claim to have witnessed creation events, projecting their souls back to the world's origins through a unique form of shamanism where visions are of ancient gods rather than current spirits. These narratives are often stylized, ritualized, and accompanied by hundreds of songs that can be sung for dance, lamentation, or pleasure. While the tales may appear inconsistent due to memory lapses or the formalized nature of the storytelling, they serve as a vital cultural record. The narrative begins with Mastamho planting food and water for various tribes, including the Yavapai, Walapai, and Chemehuevi, while withholding these gifts from the Mohave until he constructs a house and teaches them specific vocabulary. The story details the construction of this house, involving insect helpers like ants and wasps who dig postholes and build the structure. Mastamho teaches the Mohave the names for the house's components, such as posts, girders, and thatching, as well as the names for sunset and night. Once the house is complete, the Mohave are finally allowed to enter, learning about fire and warmth. The volume also covers the origins of sickness and cures, featuring characters like the Thrasher and Mockingbird. These figures teach the community how to cure venereal diseases and other ailments through specific songs and rituals. Eventually, most humans transform into birds, becoming mountain birds or water birds depending on their location. The text includes appendices on directional circuits and recurring names, offering a deep look into the linguistic and ritualistic structure of Mohave belief systems. Kroeber notes that while the stories are often long and complex, taking up to two nights to tell, they reflect a worldview where success in life is believed to be the result of prenatal dreams and mystical participation in the creation of the world.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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data/epubs/pg46336.epub

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Categories

• Mythology
• Native American History