Kumeyaay astronomy facts for kids
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| 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. 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).
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. Kumeyaay sand paintings and rock art modeled the passage of the sun, moon, and constellations.
Observation areas were made by the Kumeyaay to watch and register astronomical events. However many were destroyed by vandals before protection measures were instituted.
Astronomical objects
- Hatotkeur (Spine of the Sky) - Milky Way
Constellations:
| 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 |
