List of cultures
What's new on our siteList of languages
List of cultures
What's new on our site
This is our collection of links to Chemehuevi folktales and traditional stories that can be read online. We have indexed our Native American legends and myths section by tribe to make them easier to locate; however, variants on the same legend are often told by American Indians from different tribes, especially if those tribes are kinfolk or neighbors to each other. In particular, though these legends come from the Chemehuevi, the traditional stories of related tribes like the Southern Paiute and Shoshoni tribes are very similar.
Sinawava (Coyote):
The culture hero of Chemehuevi mythology. Though he is a trickster figure whose frivolous,
irresponsible behavior is constantly causing trouble for everyone around him, Coyote also
plays a more serious role as benefactor and teacher of the Chemehuevi people.
Tivaci (Wolf):
Coyote's wise older brother. Wolf usually plays the "straight man" in Chemehuevi stories,
bringing Coyote back to life whenever his antics get him killed and scolding him for his
bad behavior. Some versions of Chemehuevi myths name this character Puma instead.
Chemehuevi Religious Beliefs and Practices:Coyote Tales of the Mojave Desert:Mirror and Pattern: George Laird's World of Chemehuevi Mythology:
Back to the Chemehuevi homepage
Back to Indian gods and goddesses
Back to Native American animals
Native American food
Native Americans arts
Indian ancestor
Tribal tattoos
Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?
Contacts and FAQ page