Yuman

Walapai Tribe

The Walapai, or Xawálapáya, are a Yuman tribe historically situated along the middle Colorado River, to the east of the Mohave. Known for their bravery and resourcefulness, they primarily survived through hunting and gathering. Their population declined from 728 in 1889 to 498 in 1910. Today, they reside on a 730,880-acre reservation in northwestern Arizona, under a school superintendent’s administration. Limited agricultural activity was noted in 1904, despite their ownership of 2,000 horses. The Spaniards referred to one of their settlements as Santa Margarita.

Cuñeil Tribe

The Cuñeil Indians, likely a Yuman tribe, were documented by Garcés in 1775-76 as inhabiting the area between San Diego, California, and the mouth of the Rio Colorado. They were known to be friendly with the Cocopa. The Cuñeil may be identical to the Comeya, though Garcés distinguished them by the name Quemayá. Additionally, Father Pedro Font’s map from 1777 places the Cuñeil in northern Lower California. The term “Kunyil” in the Comey dialect translates to “all men” or “people.

Coanopa Tribe

The Coanopa Indians were likely a Yuman tribe inhabiting the lower Rio Colorado region in the early 18th century. They were noted by Father Nino during his mission among the Quigyuma and were associated with the Cuchan (Yuma) and other tribes. Historical references suggest a possible connection to the Cocopa.

Cajuenche Tribe

The Cajuenche Indians, a Yuman tribe speaking the Cocopa dialect, were located in 1775-76 along the east bank of the Rio Colorado, near the Quigyuma. Their population was around 3,000, but they became enemies of the Cocopa. By 1851, they had dwindled, possibly identified with the Cawina or Quokim, due to ongoing conflicts with the Yuma. By 1905, only 10 survivors remained, living among the Pima and Maricopa, with limited survival of their native language. Their rancherias included Merced, San Jacome, and San Sebastian.

Cocopa Tribe

The Cocopa tribe, a division of the Yuman family, historically inhabited nine rancherias along the Rio Colorado, later expanding into Lower California. Once numbering around 3,000, their population dwindled to approximately 800 by the present. The Cocopa were less hostile than neighboring tribes but capable of defense. They cultivated crops like corn and melons, lived in various types of dwellings, and practiced cremation for their dead. They are noted for similarities in customs and appearance with the Yuma tribe.

Maricopa Tribe

The Maricopa Tribe, known as Pipatsje, is a significant Yuman group residing in southern Arizona along the Gila River. Historically, they lived with the Pima for mutual defense against the Yuma, with which they had conflicts until the latter part of the 19th century. Despite their agricultural lifestyle and cultural similarities with the Pima, no formal treaty was made with the Maricopa. Various rancherias and settlements attributed to them evolved over time, and they were allocated a reservation in 1859, which was subsequently modified.

Yuman Tribe

The Yuman Indians historically inhabited the southwestern United States and northern Baja California, particularly around the Colorado and lower Gila River valleys. This linguistic group included tribes such as the Mohave, Yuma, Cocopa, and Havasupai, with northern tribes exhibiting more advanced agricultural practices and social structures. Despite environmental challenges, many Yuman groups engaged in agriculture, basketry, and pottery. By the early 20th century, their population was about 3,700, though many smaller tribes have since become extinct or assimilated.

Cochimi Tribe

The Cochimi Indians, associated with a Yuman dialect, inhabited the California peninsula from approximately lat. 31° south to lat. 26°. This collective name encompasses various tribes including those near Loreto, historically noted for their significant populations. In 1767, several missions were established where Cochimi dialects were spoken, with notable population figures at these sites. However, by the mid-19th century, distinctions between Cochimi and other tribes had blurred. Today, a few Cochimi descendants may still exist, though the linguistic and cultural integrity of the group is uncertain.

Mohave Tribe

The Mohave Indians, a prominent Yuman tribe, historically inhabited areas along the Colorado River, primarily on its eastern bank. Renowned for their physicality and body art, they lived in small, scattered dwellings and primarily relied on agriculture for sustenance, cultivating crops such as corn and beans. The tribe’s social structure lacked a full clan system but featured a unique naming convention for female relatives. By the early 20th century, their population was around 1,589, and they were established on the Colorado River Reservation in Arizona.

Comeya Tribe

The Comeya Indians, a collective term for Yuman tribes from San Diego to the lower Rio Colorado, were part of the interior tribes, excluding the Diegueno. In the late 18th century, they were described as having poor living conditions, with distinct customs such as mud-coating for hygiene. Their diet consisted of fish, fruits, and vegetables. Notable for their impoverished lifestyle, the Comeya practiced facial painting and occasionally sold children. Few specific bands are known, but their cultural practices provide insight into their historical existence.

Alchedoma Tribe

The Alchedoma were a Yuman tribe closely related to the Yuma, Maricopa, and Mohave, speaking the same language. In the early 17th century, they occupied multiple rancherias along the Colorado River, numbering around 2,500 by 1776. They were generally amicable with surrounding tribes but viewed the Yuma and Mohave as adversaries. Despite some trade with neighboring groups, misconceptions about their cotton production were noted. Ultimately, they were absorbed by the Maricopa as they migrated away from the Colorado to escape Mohave pressure.

Havasupai Tribe

The Havasupai Tribe, a small group of Yuman descent, resides in Cataract Canyon in northwest Arizona. Historically, they are believed to have migrated from the Colorado Chiquito region after conflicts with neighboring tribes. The Havasupai culture, while less advanced than that of the Pueblo peoples, showcases unique traditions such as hunting, basketry, and agriculture, relying on irrigation. Their society is patriarchal and polygamous, with their population decreasing from 300 in 1869 to 174 in 1905. The tribe occupies a reservation established in the late 19th century.