Tales from the Mohaves

This a collection of fairly simple but fascinating myths and stories from the Mohave Indians, collected by Herman Grey (who is himself a Mohave, of the Beaver Clan). Together with the classic novel of late 19th century Mohave life, Crazy Weather, by Charles McNichols, it provides a strong sense of Mohave tradition and culture.One of the unique features of Mohave stories (and Mohave life in general) is the central role played by dreams. As it says in the preface to this book: "The Mohave clings to his belief in dreams as a basis for everyday life. Not only all shamanistic power, but all myths, songs, bravery, fortune in battle, and good fortune in gambling derive from dreams. Every special event is dreamed. Knowledge is not a thing to be learned, a Mohave will say, but something to be acquired by each person through his dreaming.... Dreams, then, are the foundation of Mohave life. Dreams are always stated as if they had been cast in mythological modes. In no other tribes are activities so controlled by this psychic state. In no other Indian culture is daily life so completely reflected in myths and songs."Some of the stories are legendary and illustrate the Mohave concepts of their relationship with nature, while others are based on actual historical events, such as an ill-fated raid by the Mohave and Apaches on the Pimas to the south.If you're interested in Mohave traditions, American Indian cultures in general, or in the region of the lower Colorado River and its history and cultures, I think you'll appreciate this book.