Native American Indian Star Charts

Roy Cook explores Native American Indian star charts, sharing stories from different tribes about the stars and their cultural significance. In Southern Arizona, the Oodham tradition involves storytelling when the Pleiades cross the sky. The Tohono O'odham describe the Milky Way as spilled tepary beans. Ground paintings by Diegueño artists depict celestial objects and landmarks, reflecting localized perceptions of the native universe. The Lightning Songs of the Ipai-Tipai people describe geographical locations and interactions with neighboring tribes. Cherokee legends explain the creation of the Milky Way, while Lakota star knowledge includes stories about the Big Dipper, Fallen Star, and the Black Hills. Lakota constellations in the winter sky symbolize various aspects of their mythology, such as the Seven Council Fires and the role of the magpie in deciding the fate of humanity. These stories highlight the deep connection between Native American cultures and the stars above, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and preserving traditional knowledge.