Indians of the Yosemite valley and vicinity / Their history, customs and traditions

NORTH DOME (TO-KO´-YA). 3,725 Feet.

This rock is believed by the Indians to represent Tis-sa´-ack's husband, turned into stone for beating his wife. The lower dome to the right is the basket which she threw at him. See "Legend of Tis-sa´-ack."

Then all the animals assembled to bring down the little boys from the top of the great rock. Each animal sprang up the face of the rock as far as he could. The mouse could only spring a hand's breadth, the rat two hands' breadths, the raccoon a little more, and so on. The grizzly bear made a great leap up the wall, but fell back like all the others, without reaching the top. Finally came the lion, who jumped up farther than any of the others, but even he fell back and could not reach the top.

Then came the tul-tok´-a-na, the insignificant measuring worm, who was despised by all the other creatures, and began to creep up the face of the rock. Step by step, little by little, he measured his way up until he was soon above the lion's jump, and still farther and farther, until presently he was out of sight; and still he crawled up and up, day and night, through many moons, and at length he reached the top, and took the little boys and brought them safely down to the ground. And therefore the rock was named for the measuring worm, and was called Tu-tok-a-nu´-la.

LEGEND OF GROUSE LAKE.

I will here relate a personal experience which occurred in September, 1857, while out with a large party of Indians on a deer hunt in the mountains.

One day, after a long tramp, I stopped to rest by the side of a small lake about eight miles from the present site of Wawona, and I then named it Grouse Lake on account of the great number of grouse found there. Very soon a party of Indians came along carrying some deer, and stopped on the opposite side of the lake to rest and get some water. Soon after they had started again for their camp I heard a distinct wailing cry, somewhat like the cry of a puppy when lost, and I thought the Indians must have left one of their young dogs behind.

When I joined the Indians in camp that night I inquired of them about the sound I had heard. They replied that it was not a dog—that a long time ago an Indian boy had been drowned in the lake, and that every time any one passed there he always cried after them, and that no one dared to go in the lake, for he would catch them by the legs and pull them down and they would, be drowned. I then concluded that it must have been some unseen water-fowl that made the cry, and at that time I thought that the Indians were trying to impose on my credulity, but I am now convinced that they fully believed the story they told me.

Po-ho´-no Lake, the headwaters of the Bridal Veil Creek, was also thought to be haunted by troubled spirits, which affected the stream clear down into the Yosemite Valley; and the Indians believed that an evil wind there had been the cause of some fatal accidents many years ago. The word Po-ho´-no means a puffing wind, and has also been translated "Evil Wind," on account of the superstition above referred to.

LEGEND OF THE LOST ARROW.

Tee-hee´-nay was a beautiful Ah-wah´-nee maiden, said to be the most beautiful of her tribe, and she was beloved by Kos-su´-kah, a strong and valiant young brave. Valuable presents had been made to the bride's parents, and they had given their consent to an early marriage, which was to be celebrated by a great feast.

To provide an abundance of venison and other meat for this banquet, Kos-su´-kah gathered together his young companions and went into the mountains in search of game. In order that Tee-hee´-nay might know of his welfare and the success of the hunt, it was agreed between the lovers that at sunset Kos-su´-kah should go to the high rock to the east of Cho´-lak [Yosemite Falls], and should shoot an arrow into the Valley, to which should be attached a number of grouse feathers corresponding to the number of deer that had fallen before the skill of the hunters.

Photograph by Fiske.

BRIDAL VEIL FALL (PO-HO´-NO). 940 Feet.

The source of this stream is supposed by the Indians to be haunted by troubled spirits, which affect the water along its whole course. The word Po-ho´-no means a "puffing wind."

At the time appointed Tee-hee´-nay went near the foot of the great cliff and waited, with her eyes raised to the towering rocks above, hoping with her keen sight to see the form of her lover outlined against the sky, but no form could she see, and no arrow fell into the Valley. As darkness gathered, gloomy forebodings took possession of her, and she climbed part way up the canyon called Le-ham´-i-tee [now known as Indian Canyon] because the arrow-wood grew there, and finally she stood at the very foot of the rocky wall which rose to dizzy heights above her, and there she waited through the long night.

With the first streak of dawn she bounded swiftly up the rough canyon, for she was fully convinced that some terrible fate had overtaken the brave Kos-su´-kah, and soon she stood upon the lofty summit [Yosemite Point], where she found her lover's footsteps leading towards the edge of the precipice. Drawing nearer she was startled to find that a portion of the cliff had given way, and, upon peering over the brink, what was her horror to discover the blood-stained and lifeless body of Kos-su´-kah lying on a rocky ledge far beneath.

Summoning assistance by means of a signal fire, which was seen from the Valley below, a rope was made of sapling tamaracks lashed firmly together with thongs from one of the deer that was to have furnished the marriage feast, and Tee-hee´-nay herself insisted on being lowered over the precipice to recover the body of her lover. This was at last successfully accomplished, and when his ghastly form lay once more upon the rocky summit, she threw herself on his bosom and gave way to passionate outburst of grief.

Finally she became quiet, but when they stooped to raise her they found that her spirit had fled to join the lost Kos-su´-kah and that the lovers were re-united in death!

The fateful arrow that was the cause of so much sorrow could never be found, and the Indians believe that it was taken away by the spirits of Kos-su´-kah and Tee-hee´-nay. In memory of them, and of this tragedy, the slender spire of rock [sometimes called "The Devil's Thumb"] that rises heavenward near the top of the cliff at this point is known among the Indians as Hum-mo´, or the Lost Arrow.

Appendix.

HINTS TO YOSEMITE VISITORS.

Secure stage seats in advance.

Take only hand baggage, unless for a protracted visit. For a short trip, an outing suit and two or three waists, with a change for evening wear, will be found sufficient. The free baggage allowance on the stage lines is fifty pounds.

Men will find flannel or negligee shirts the most comfortable.

In April, May and June wear warm clothing and take heavy wraps. In July, August and September wear medium clothing, with light wraps. In October and November wear warm clothing, with heavy wraps. The nights are cool at all seasons.

Dusters are always advisable, and ladies should provide some light head covering to protect the hair from dust. Sun bonnets are frequently worn.

Short skirts are most convenient.

Divided skirts are proper for trail trips, as ladies are required to ride astride. Heavy denim for skirt and bloomers is very satisfactory. Such skirts can be hired in the Valley.

Waists of soft material and neutral shades are appropriate. Avoid white.

Something absolutely soft for neckwear will be found a great comfort, both by men and women.

Leggings, stout, comfortable shoes, and heavy, loose gloves, will be found very serviceable.

A soft felt hat is preferable to straw. One that will shade the eyes is best. A cloth traveling cap is the worst thing to wear.

Smoked glasses will sometimes save the wearer a headache.

Except in April, May and November, an umbrella is apt to be a useless encumbrance.

If the skin is sensitive, and one wishes to avoid painful sunburn, the use of a pure cream and soft cloth is preferable to water, and far more efficacious.

A week is the shortest time that should be allowed for a trip to Yosemite. Two weeks are better. The grandeur of the Valley cannot be fully appreciated in a few days. Those not accustomed to staging or mountain climbing should make some allowance in their itineraries for rest. Many visitors spoil their pleasure by getting too tired.

Take a little more money than you think will be needed. You may want to prolong your stay.

Hunting, or the possession of firearms, is not permitted in the Yosemite National Park. Fishing is allowed, and in June and July an expert angler is likely to be well rewarded. Rods and tackle may be hired in the Valley.

There is no hardship, risk or danger in any part of the Yosemite trip. Many old people and children visit the Valley without difficulty.

A knowledge of horsemanship is not needed for going on the trails. The most timid people make the trips with enjoyment. Some of the finest views can only be obtained in this way.

There is a laundry in the Valley.

There is a barber shop.

There is a post office, telegraph and express. There is a general store and places for the sale of photographs, curios and Indian work.

Treat the Indians with courtesy and consideration, if you expect similar treatment from them. Do not expect them to pose for you for nothing. They are asked to do it hundreds of times every summer, and are entitled to payment for their trouble.

Kodak films and plates can be obtained in the Valley.

Developing and printing are done in the Valley.

TAKE YOUR CAMERA.

OFFICIAL TABLE OF DISTANCES AND LIVERY CHARGES.

The following are the legal rates for transportation of tourists in and about the Yosemite Valley:

CARRIAGES.

FROM HOTELS OR PUBLIC          Estimated    Rate for    Rate for
CAMPS, AND RETURN.             Distance     Party of    Party of
                               (Round       Four or     Less Than
                               Trip)        More        Four
                               Miles        Each        Each
                                            Person      Person
To Cascades, Yosemite and
   Bridal Veil Falls           16.00        $1.50       $2.00
To Mirror Lake                  5.82         1.00        1.00
To River View and Bridal
   Veil Falls                  10.41         1.00        1.50
To New Inspiration Point       14.38         2.00        2.50
To Happy Isles                  4.00          .50        1.00
To Yosemite Falls               3.00          .50         .75

SADDLE HORSES.

FROM HOTELS OR PUBLIC         Estimated    Rate for        Rate for
CAMPS, AND RETURN.            Distance     Party of        Party of
                              (Round       Four            Less
                              Trip)        or More         Than Four

                              Miles        Each Person     Each Person

To Vernal and Nevada Falls    10.90        $ 2.50          $ 3.00
To Yosemite Falls and Eagle
Peak                          13.18          3.00            3.00
To Glacier Point and
Sentinel Dome                 11.14          3.00            3.00
To Yosemite Point             10.00          2.50            3.00
To Eagle Peak                 13.00          3.00            3.00
To Vernal and Nevada Falls
and Glacier Point
(Continuous Trip)             19.22          4.00            5.00
To Glacier Point, Sentinel
Dome and Fissures             14.00          3.50            3.75
To Old Inspiration Point
and Stanford Point            16.00          4.00            4.00
To Vernal and Nevada Falls
and Cloud's Rest (Same Day)   22.00          4.00            5.00
Charges for Guide
(Including Horse)
When Furnished                               Free            3.00

1. Trips other than those above specified shall be subject to special arrangements between the parties and the stables.

2. Any excess of the above rates, as well as any extortion, incivility, misrepresentation, or riding of unsafe animals, should be reported to the Superintendent's office.

3. All distances are estimated from the Superintendent's office.

SUPPLEMENTARY TABLE OF DISTANCES.

FROM SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE.               MILES

Bridal Veil Falls                           4
Yosemite Falls, base                          ¾
Upper Yosemite Fall, base                   2 ¾
Upper Yosemite Fall, top                    4 ¼
Little Yosemite Valley                      8
Glacier Point (short trail)                 4 ½
Glacier Point (via Nevada Falls)           14 ½
Cascades                                    8

INTERPRETATION OF INDIAN NAMES.

The Indians had names for all the prominent features of the Yosemite Valley, and these have been variously translated (sometimes with considerable poetic license), and variously spelled. The translations given below are as literal as possible, without embellishment, and are believed to be fairly accurate. The spelling adopted is such as best indicates the pronunciation.

The English names, by which the falls and peaks are commonly known, bear no relation to the Indian names, but were bestowed by the soldiers of the Mariposa Battalion at the time the Valley was discovered. The appropriateness and good taste of most of them are due to Dr. L.H. Bunnell, the surgeon of the expedition.

AH-WAH´-NEE (original name of Yosemite Valley)—"Deep grassy valley."

YO-SEM´-I-TE—"Full-grown grizzly bear."

PO-HO´-NO (Bridal Veil)—"A puffing-wind."

LOI´-YA (The Sentinel)—"A signal station."

CHO´-LACK (Yosemite Falls)—"The falls."

CHO-KO´-NI (Royal Arches)—"Canopy of baby basket." Strictly speaking, this name applies only to a deep alcove near the top of this cliff.

YO-WEI´-YEE (Nevada)—"Twisting."

TO-TAU-KON-NU´-LA (El Capitan)—Named from the To-tau´-kons, or cranes, which used to make their nests in a meadow near the top of this rock.

KU-SO´-KO (Cathedral Rock)—Interpretation doubtful.

PU-SEE´-NA CHUCK´-AH (Cathedral Spires)—"Pu-see-na" means mouse or rat, and might possibly be applied to a squirrel. "Chuck-ah" is a store house or cache.

WAW-HAW´-KEE (Three Brothers)—"Falling rocks." Pom-pom-pa´-sus, usually given as the Indian name of the Three Brothers, is the name of a smaller rock immediately to the West.

WEI-YOW´ (Mt. Watkins)—"Juniper Mountain."

TO-KO´-YA (North Dome)—"The Basket."

TIS-SA´-ACK (Half Dome)—A character in Indian mythology.

MAH´-TA (Cap of Liberty)—Said to mean "Martyr Mountain."

PI-WEI´-ACK (Vernal Fall)—Said to mean "Sparkling water."

LE-HAM´-I-TEE (Indian Canyon)—"The place of the arrow-wood."

HUM-MO´ (Devil's Thumb)—"The Lost Arrow."

AH-WEI´-YA (Mirror Lake)—"Quiet Water."

TOO-LOO´-LO-WEI-ACK (Illillouette Fall)—Interpretation doubtful.

WAH´-WO-NAH—"Big Tree." (Now commonly spelled and pronounced Wa-wo´-na.)

HEIGHTS OF YOSEMITE'S WATER-FALLS.

YOSEMITE'S PEAKS AND DOMES.
WITH ALTITUDES ABOVE FLOOR OF VALLEY.

(The Valley Floor is about 4,000 feet above sea level.)

NAMES OF INDIAN NUMERALS.

King-eet´           One
O-tee´-cat          Two
Tul-o´-cat          Three
O-e´-sart           Four
Mo´-ho´´-cat        Five
Te´-mo´´-cat        Six
Te-tow´-ok          Seven
Cow-in´-tuk         Eight
El´-e´´-wok         Nine
Ne-ah´-jah          Ten

Larger numbers are expressed by combinations of these numbers.

INDIAN WORDS IN COMMON USE.

Wat-too´          The Sun
Co´-ma            Moon
He-a´-mah         Day
Cow-il´-la        Night
Tum-aw´-lin       North
Chu´-muck         South
He´-home          East
El-o´-win         West
Het-a-poo´-pa     Cold
Wool-tut´-tee     Hat*
Come´-haw         Burn
Chum´-haw         Dead or Die
Na´-win           Up or Above
Hoo´-ya           Down or Below
Wool-ar´-nee      To Hunt or Look For
Took´-hah         To Kill
E´-win            Now
Oo´-haw           By and By
Man´-nik          More
Ut´-tee           Much
Wa´-le-co         Quick
Now´-tah          To Steal
Nung´-hah         Man
O´-hock           Woman
Es-el´-lo         Baby or Infant

*Transcriber's note: This appears to be a typographical error for "Hot." See "Central Sierra Miwok Dictionary with Texts" by L. S. Freeland and Sylvia M. Broadbent (Publications in Linguistics vol. XXIII, University of California Press, Berkeley, 1960).

NAMES OF THE INDIAN TRIBES PLACED
ON THE FRESNO AND KINGS RIVER RESERVATIONS
IN 1850 AND 1851.