Omaha sociology (1884 N 03 / 1881-1882 (pages 205-370))

Omaha sociology (1884 N 03 / 1881-1882 (pages 205-370))

1. The Omaha Indians belong to the egiha group of the Siouan family. The egiha group may be divided into the Omaha-egiha and the Kwapa-egiha. In the former are four tribes, speaking three dialects, while the latter consists of one tribe, the Kwapas. The dialects are as follows: Paka, spoken by the Ponkas and Omahas; Waae, the Osage dialect; [K]anze, that of the Kansas or Kaws, closely related to the Waae; and Ugaqpa, or Kwapa. 2. egiha means, "Belonging to the people of this land," and answers to the Oto "[T]iwere," and the Iowa "[T]eiwere." Mr. Joseph La Flche, who was formerly a head chief of the Omahas, also said that egiha was about equivalent to "Dakota." When an Omaha was challenged in the dark, when on his own land, he generally replied, "I am a egiha." So did a Ponka reply, under similar circumstances, when on his own land. But when challenged in the dark, when away from home, he was obliged to give the name of his tribe, saying, "I am an Omaha," or, "I am a Ponka," as the case might be. 3. The real name of the Omahas is "Umanhan." It is explained by a tradition obtained from a few members of the tribe. When the ancestors of the Omahas, Ponkas, Osages, and several other cognate tribes traveled down the Ohio to its mouth, they separated on reaching the Mississippi. Some went up the river, hence the name Umanhan, from manhan, "to go against the wind or stream." The rest went down the river, hence the name Ugqpa or Kwpa, from ugqpa or ugha, "to float down the stream." ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 46487
Author: Dorsey, James Owen
Release Date: Aug 3, 2014
Format: eBook
Language: English