The Pima Indians of Arizona

Creation myths tell of a time before time when the first being, a spider, spun a web that became the world. The Creator took a nerve from his neck to make a man and a woman who lived near the Salt River in Arizona. A brief history of the Pima tribe follows, including their cultural characteristics, religion, marriage customs, weapons, manner of fighting, and burial practices. Regarding the latter, the dead are bound, knees up to chest and body in sitting position, with ropes. The grave is filled to a level even with the ground, and poles, trees, or pieces of timber are placed on it to protect the remains from coyotes. Female and male mourners cut their hair, and men plaster it onto their heads with a mixture of black clay and mesquite gum. (This is possibly not a mourning ritual). One or two days later, the mixture is washed out and the hair is black, glossy, and free from vermin. All the deceased's property is destroyed. Infanticide is a cultural practice.