| Kumeyaay astronomy | |
| Map: | Cahuilla kumeyaay map.svg |
| Mapalt: | map of California with tribal areas |
| Region: | El Vallecito |
| Period: | 7000 BCE - c. 1875 |
Kumeyaay astronomy or cosmology (Kumeyaay: My Uuyow, "sky knowledge") comprises the astronomical knowledge of the Kumeyaay people, a Native American group whose traditional homeland occupies what is now Southern California in the United States and adjacent parts of northern Baja California in Mexico.[1] A deeply rooted cosmological belief system was developed and followed by the Kumeyaay civilization based on this knowledge including the computing of time (Kumeyaay Mat’taam).[2]
The first evidence of astronomical observations and visual registration was discovered in the El Vallecito archeological zone. The "Men in a square" rupestric painting located at El Diablito area of El Vallecito depicted a square that aligns with sunlight on the Fall equinox. These paintings were made by the Kumeyaay people, possibly during nomadic travels.[3] [4] Kumeyaay sand paintings and rock art modeled the passage of the sun, moon, and constellations.[5]
Observation areas were made by the Kumeyaay to watch and register astronomical events. However many were destroyed by vandals before protection measures were instituted.[6]
Constellations:[7]
| Name | Meaning | Western equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Kwechnyay | Hunter | part of Orion |
| Hachaa | Six laughing girls | Pleiades |
| Hawitai | Garter snake | Lyra |
| Akewli | Chaser | part of Orion |
| Hechkullk | Wolf | Auriga, Taurus |
| Shallymat | Arm | Big Dipper |
| Shally | Hand | Leo |
| Pehkay | Seven | Cygnus |
| Llykuushirra | Racer snake | Cassiopaeia |
| Menniih | Tarantula | Canis Major/Minor |
| Namuuly | Bear | Gemini |
'Ehwii|Rattlesnake|Draco|-|Shuluk|Lightning|Scorpius|-|Hetepaa|Coyote|Bootes|-|Shaaii|Buzzard|Virgo|-|'Ahaak|Raven|Aquila|-|Emuu|Mountain sheep|Orion's Belt|-|Awi yuk|Gopher snake|Corvus/Hydra|-|Nyemii|Bobcat|Piscis Austrinus|}See alsoExternal links |