The Hottest place on earth is closer than you may think, and the ancient people who live there may hold the answers to surviving extreme weather!
The indigenous O'odham people have resided in the Sonoran Desert from time immemorial. As descendants of the ancient Hohokam, they have prospered despite the severe desert conditions. Utilizing the Santa Cruz River and the annual monsoon rains, the Akimel (River) O'odham constructed intricate acequias, or irrigation canals, and basins to cultivate crops. The Tohono (Desert) O'odham, living further from the rivers, would migrate between two villages to track water sources.
Prior to Spanish contact, the O’odham engaged in a blend of hunting, gathering, and low-intensity farming. Leveraging their deep understanding of the terrain, they grew various crops such as squash, beans, cotton, and corn. They also foraged for foods like cactus, agave, cactus fruit, and mesquite to complement their diet. The annual saguaro harvest, taking place each June and July, was marked by communal and ceremonial activities involving both men and women. Additionally, the O’odham hunted animals including birds, deer, and sheep.
The O'odham people hold their connection to the land as central to their cultural and spiritual identity. Their legends recount that the land was bestowed upon them by the Elder Brother at the creation of the world. As a result, the O'odham have honed their skills in desert living and are staunch protectors of its flora and fauna.
Traditionally, O’odham women were responsible for preparing foods like flat, corn meal cakes and drinks like saguaro wine. Young women were also responsible for gathering foods and water for their families. Women and girls were also given the responsibility of making pottery and of, most importantly, weaving basketry. Young men would shadow and learn from older men the skills of hunting, spinning string for weaving, or making rope. Men also took more responsibility for butchering and skinning animals and making leather hides. There are many parts of traditional O’odham culture that continue today.
Many Names, One People
O'odham = "the people"
Akimel = "of the river"
Tohono = "of the desert"
Pima = the name applied by the Spanish to the river-dwelling O'odham people. It may come from a phrase "pi-nyi-match" which means "I don't know," the answer given by the O'odham to questions asked by the Spanish.
Papago = the name applied by the Spanish to the desert-dwelling O'odham people. It may come from the O'odham word "Papahvi-o-otam" which may mean "bean people."
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