American Indian language * American Indian culture * Indian genealogy

Native American Legends: Makunaima (Macunaima)

Name: Makunaima
Tribal affiliation: Akawaio, Pemon, Macusi, Carib
Alternate spellings: Macunaima, Makonaima, Makonáima, Mackonaima, Makenaima
Pronunciation: mah-koo-nye-mah
Type: Creator, culture hero, high god
Related figures in other tribes: Kururumany (Arawak)

 Makunaima is the name of the great Creator god of the Akawaio and neighboring Cariban tribes. The name Makunaima literally means "He Works By Night." Traditional Cariban cosmology has become very muddled since the arrival of Christian missionaries. Though older myths feature Makunaima as a legendary culture hero who slays monsters, in more recent texts, these exploits are usually ascribed to Sigu instead, while Makunaima is translated as "God" or "Great Spirit" and is not personified. Indeed, Makunaima is often said never to have been seen by mortal man.

Makunaima Stories

*Acawai Flood Myth:
    Akawaio legend about Makunaima, his son Sigu, and the World Tree.
*Legends of the Acawoios:
    Collection of Akawaio legends and folktales, beginning with Makonaima's creation of the world.
*The Sun, the Frog, and the Fire-Sticks:
    A Guyanese Carib legend about Makunaima and his twin brother Pia.

Recommended Books of Related Native American Legends
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links

Rain Forest Literatures: Amazonian Texts and Latin American Culture:
    An interesting compilation of traditional Arawak, Carib, and Guarani stories.
Guyana Legends: Folk Tales of the Indigenous Amerindians:
    Good collection of Cariban and Arawakan mythology from Guyana.

Sponsored Links

Additional Resources

 Carib myth
 Carib people
 Indigenous tribes of Brazil
 Caribbean culture and language
 Caribans
 South American legends



Back to Native American myths and fables
Back to Native American gods and goddesses list



Native American Indian baskets * Native American made moccasins * Guarayu * Muncie Indiana * Indian tattoo

Would you like to help support our organization's work with endangered American Indian languages?

Native Languages of the Americas website © 1998-2020 * Contacts and FAQ page