Sacred Texts
Native American
California
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The Lore and the Lure of the Yosemite
The Indians
Their Customs, Legends and Beliefs, and the Story of Yosemite
Herbert Earl Wilson
[1922]
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This short book about Yosemite Valley and its original inhabitants was
written early in the 20th century.
Of particular interest are the photographs, which are all in the public domain;
while not as gorgeous as those taken in later years by Ansel Adams,
they adequately convey the magnificent landscape.
This book has a few factual inaccuracies, but only because of the
limits of contemporary knowledge.
For instance, at the time of writing, Ribbon Falls was thought to be
the highest waterfall in the world; today we know that Angel Falls
in Venezuela has this distinction.
Also, the small but signficant survival of Chinese Redwoods was likewise
unknown at the time, so we can today qualify the statement
that this tree only exists in California.
However, for the most part this book is fairly accurate; in particular,
the geological description is not obsolete.
The core of this book is a description of the beliefs and material
culture of the Miwok of Yosemite, and the disgraceful history
of their ejection from the valley.
The historical and ethnographic information is fairly accurate;
in contrast, the information on religion is the thinnest part of this book.
Wilson writes of a 'Great Spirit';
as far as I know, this is not a part of Miwok beliefs.
There is no concept of an overarching deity.
Rather, Miwok mythology revolves around
Coyote and the other animal-people inhabitants of the dreamtime.
Title Page
Contents
List Of Illustrations
Introductory Note
Chapter I. The Coming of the White Man to Yosemite
Chapter I. The Coming of the White Man to Yosemite
Chapter II. The Story of Yosemite
The Story of Yosemite
The Gateway
Bridal Veil Fall
El Capitan
Ribbon Fall
The Valley
Cathedral Rocks
Cathedral Spires
The Three Brothers
Sentinel Rock
Yosemite Fall
Glacier Point
Half Dome
North Dome and Basket Dome
Happy Isles
Mirror Lake
Clouds Rest
Chapter III. Sunset in the Yosemite
Chapter III. Sunset in the Yosemite
Chapter IV. Big Trees of the Mariposa Grove
Chapter IV. Big Trees of the Mariposa Grove
Introduction to Myths and Legends
Chapter V. Indian Myths and Legends
The Legend Of Tu-tok-a-na
The Legend Of Tu-tok-a-nu-la And Tis-sa-ack
The Legend of the Lost Arrow
The Legend Of Tis-sa-ack
The Legend Of Po-ho-no
The Legend Of Yo-sem-i-te
The Legend Of Pi-wy-ack
The Legend Of Loi-ya
Legend of the Origin of Thunder and Lightning
Legend of the Fish-Women (Mermaids)
Chapter VI. Creation
Chapter VI. Creation
Chapter VII. The Coming of the Indian to Yosemite
The Coming of the Indian to Yosemite
Acorns
Grasshoppers
Clover Grasses, Grass Seeds, and Edible Roots
Berries and Nuts
Fish
Deer
Small Game, Mushrooms, Worms, and Beetles
Dwellings
Bedding
Sweat-Houses
Clothing
Baskets
Weapons
Chapter VIII. His Customs, Religious Beliefs, and Ceremonies
His Customs, Religious Beliefs, and Ceremonies
Division of Territory
Commerce
Communications
Annual Feasts
Dances
Hand Game
Medicine Men
Marriage
Widows
Children
Disposal of Their Dead
The Present Day Indian in Yosemite
Chapter IX. Retrospection and Prophecy
Chapter IX. Retrospection and Prophecy
Chapter X. Geology of the Yosemite Valley
Chapter X. Geology of the Yosemite Valley