Geographical range | El Vallecito |
---|---|
Period | 7000 BCE - c. 1875 |
Kumeyaay astronomy or cosmology ( Kumeyaay: My Uuyow, "sky knowledge") comprises the astronomical knowledge of the Kumeyaay people, a Native American group whose traditional homeland occupies what is now Southern California in the United States and adjacent parts of northern Baja California in Mexico. [1] A deeply rooted cosmological belief system was developed and followed by the Kumeyaay civilization based on this knowledge including the computing of time (Kumeyaay Mat’taam). [2]
The first evidence of astronomical observations and visual registration was discovered in the El Vallecito archeological zone. The "Men in a square" rupestric painting located at El Diablito area of El Vallecito depicted a square that aligns with sunlight on the Fall equinox. These paintings were made by the Kumeyaay people, possibly during nomadic travels. [3] [4] Kumeyaay sand paintings and rock art modeled the passage of the sun, moon, and constellations. [5]
Observation areas were made by the Kumeyaay to watch and register astronomical events. However many were destroyed by vandals before protection measures were instituted. [6]
Constellations: [7]
Name | Meaning | Western equivalent |
---|---|---|
Kwechnyay | Hunter | part of Orion |
Hachaa | Six laughing girls | Pleiades |
Hawitai | Garter snake | Lyra |
Akewli | Chaser | part of Orion |
Hechkullk | Wolf | Auriga, Taurus |
Shallymat | Arm | Big Dipper |
Shally | Hand | Leo |
Pehkay | Seven | Cygnus |
Llykuushirra | Racer snake | Cassiopaeia |
Menniih | Tarantula | Canis Major/ Minor |
Namuuly | Bear | Gemini |
'Ehwii | Rattlesnake | Draco |
Shuluk | Lightning | Scorpius |
Hetepaa | Coyote | Bootes |
Shaaii | Buzzard | Virgo |
'Ahaak | Raven | Aquila |
Emuu | Mountain sheep | Orion's Belt |
Awi yuk | Gopher snake | Corvus/ Hydra |
Nyemii | Bobcat | Piscis Austrinus |