The Cocopah Indian Tribe is one of the numerous Native American tribes of Arizona that is continuously active. Its strong sense of culture and participation in its surrounding civilization has helped it thrive as one of the most well known tribes still in existence. The Cocopah’s extensive history as an early Yuman community and its current cultural influence in Arizona make it acknowledged as both an intriguing tribe and major source of the state’s ethnic identity.
The Cocopah Indian Tribe of Arizona, otherwise called “the River People,” originated in lands along the Colorado River and Lower Colorado River as one of the several descendant tribes of the Yuman-speaking people (“About Us”). The name “Cocopah” derives from the tribe’s name for …show more content…
The Cocopah language is a Yuman language, and possibly a descendant of the larger Hokan language (“Language”). Although it was a very intricate and fluently spoken language during earlier times of the tribe’s existence, Cocopah is now considered an endangered language, spoken by approximately only four hundred natives today (“Language”). Intricacy is present in the skill of Cocopah art, as well. Beads, clay, and willow branches were often used as the main materials for artistic creativity (“Tribe Facts”). Brightly colored beads were woven into very elaborate patterns that served functional purposes as well as sources of enjoyment and hobby (“Tribe Facts”). The Cocopah used clay to form beautiful pottery, a cultural act that is still copied in modern times, and to make dolls at the expense of children’s amusement (“Tribe Facts”). Wood from willows was also useful in craft, most importantly in the making of functional baskets (“Tribe Facts”). Their branches were also useful in the making of clothing, including skirts and shirts (“Tribe Facts”). Breechclouts, a type of loincloth particular to the Cocopah, were also made from weed material (“Tribe Facts”). Cocopah males sported these most often, while the women wore mainly the weed cloth skirts (“About Us”). Although Cocopah language, arts, and clothing all played important roles in the tribe’s culture, they are but a few of the countless …show more content…
Among the acres that form the reservation, the tribe’s focus on agriculture continues to play a crucial role. Much of the land on the reservation is often lent out to farmers to keep the agrarian culture thriving (ITCA). Within the Cocopah district itself, there are countless events and buildings. The some-1,000 tribal members maintain a Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center, Cocopah Casino, a newsletter, and more (“Cocopah Indian Tribe”). Specifically, the Cocopah Museum and Cultural Center displays figures of Cocopah ancestors in their historical habitats, showing the origins of the currently living Cocopah people (“Cocopah Indian Tribe”). Annual events such as the Cocopah Cultural Celebration Day in October as well as the Native American Day in September help to honor the Cocopah’s ancestors and their culture (“Cocopah Indian