About Wichita Indian Myths

The Wichita Indians originally lived in an area that ranged from what is currently Kansas to Texas. They now live in Oklahoma. They were also called the Black Pawnee by the Sioux and Pani Pique, or tattooed Pawnee, by the French settlers because of their tattooed faces. Their myths consisted of many different stories that were told by one generation to the next.

Instructional

The Wichita myths were sacred, because they normally taught important life lessons and moral behavior that centered around the main religious beliefs and values of the Indian culture. Many of these tales are similar to those told by other tribes, as well as societies around the world.

End of the Beginning

The Wichita believed that a time was approaching that signified their culture's decline. During this time, the basics that allowed life to continue would disappear. As the end neared, the corn would turn into weeds and the animals, plants and water would talk to the Indian people. Neither animals nor humans would be able to reproduce, and degenerate behavior, such as incest, would be the norm. Then, a great star would choose an important man to explain what was taking place. Each of the stars and the sun would again become human, as was the case in the earliest times. Another cycle would start.

Mythological characters

There were a number of different characters represented in Wichita mythology. "Kinnekasus," or Man-Never-Known-On-Earth, was another name for the creator, "Great Spirit," or God. The first man was called "Kiarsidia," or Man-With-The-Power-To-Carry-Light. God created him to teach others hunting and trapping secrets. He turned into the Morning Star. Likewise, "Kashatskihakatidise," or Bright-Shining-Woman, became the first woman and taught agriculture. She became the Moon. ˜Handsome Boy" and "Afterbirth Boy" were mythical twins that are also found in stories of numerous Midwestern and Eastern Native American cultures. They were monster killers. The Coyote was the trickster.

Gods

The Wichita mythology included numerous gods in addition to the Creator, such as the sky and earth gods. Mother Earth was the nature figure of every living being. All people returned to her when they died. After dying, Wichita Indians were mourned in their decorated homes for two to four days. A prayer was said to Mother Earth at their grave site, and the family members cleansed themselves in a river for several days.

Divine inspiration

Wichitas deeply believed that all knowledge for spiritual and material betterment came through revelation. Therefore, when making their grass huts, they included complex ceremonies to thank the gods for their divine teaching. They also staged several ceremonial dances, such as the horn or deer dance, in appreciation to the spirits' instruction.