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Native American Legends: Iriria

Name: Iriria
Tribal affiliation: Bribri
Pronunciation: ee-ree-ree-ah
Also known as: Tapir's Daughter
Type: Earth goddess, tapir, sacrifice

Iriria is the Bribri earth goddess. Originally Iriria was the daughter of the Tapir (Namaitmi), who was the sister of the culture hero Sibu. However, Sibú sacrificed his niece to transform her into the earth. Because of this, both Iriria and tapirs were venerated by the Bribris.

Iriria Stories

*Bribri Creation Myth:
    Bribri legend about Iriria becoming the earth.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
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Notes on the Bribri of Costa Rica:
    Classic anthropology text on the Bribri culture and traditions.

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Additional Resources

 Bribri spirits
 Bribri tribe
 Costa Rica tribes
 Caribbean languages
 Chibchan language family



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