Yuma creation myth facts for kids

The Yuma creation myth tells the story of how the world began, according to the Quechan people. The Quechan, also known as the Yuma, are a Native American group living in northern Arizona. Long ago, the Yuma people created pictures on rocks, called pictographs. These pictures might even be older than the ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. Many of these rock drawings show scenes from nature, trading, and their myths.

The Yuma creation story begins when there was nothing but water everywhere. From this water, a powerful being named Kokomaht appeared. Another being, Bakohtal, also came from the water. However, Bakohtal was born blind. This happened because Kokomaht told him a lie, saying he had opened his eyes underwater.

Kokomaht and Bakohtal were like twin creators. Bakohtal tried to create humans first, but they didn't turn out right. Instead of hands and feet, they had strange lumps. Because Bakohtal was blind, he thought his creations were perfect.

But Kokomaht then made a truly perfect human from mud. He waved this mud figure four times towards the north, and it came to life, standing on its feet. Kokomaht also created the Earth itself, placing it on the back of a giant frog named Hanyi.

After finishing his work, Kokomaht had a son named Komashtam'hó. Knowing his work was done, Kokomaht lay down on the Earth. Sadly, Hanyi the frog then took his breath away.

Komashtam'hó, the son, continued the creation. He made the sun and the moon. He then told the people, "Look, this is the sun. It will give you warmth and peace." Before a great flood happened, animals were actually people. Komashtam'hó later asked everyone to shave their hair.

The Great Flood and New Beginnings

Komashtam'hó was not happy with how the animal-people looked after they cut their hair. So, he decided to change them into the animals we know today. But these new animals were wild and dangerous. To protect the people, Komashtam'hó sent a great flood to cover the Earth.

After a long time, a person named Markohuvek asked Komashtam'hó why he had caused such a big flood. Komashtam'hó explained that he was trying to keep the people safe from the dangerous animals. Markohuvek then pointed out that without fire, people would slowly freeze to death.

To help, Komashtam'hó created a huge fire to dry up the floodwaters. However, he accidentally made it too hot and got a little burned himself. After this, Komashtam'hó took a giant pole and broke his father's house. Water poured out from the broken house, forming the Colorado River.

In this new river swam fish, eels, and other water creatures. These were the beings that Bakohtal, the blind creator, had made earlier. As for Bakohtal, the Yuma people believe he now rests under the Earth. When an earthquake happens, they say, "It is the Blind Evil One stirring down below."