Creation Story of Southern California Indians

(As related by the beach-dwelling Indians
of the San Juan Capistrano Valley)

AN INVISIBLE AND ALL POWERFUL BEING called Nocuma made the world, the sea, and all that is therein, including the animals, plants, and fishes. The world was spherical and rested upon Nocuma's hands. Since it was continually in motion he resolved to secure the world by placing it its center a black rock called Tosaut. It remained firm and secure as at the present time. The Indians say the black rock is from a small island near the beach. They often collect fragments of this rock, which they use to smooth their mud walls.

The sea, at that time, was just a small stream of water running from the south to the north, encircling the world. It was so filled with fish that they were piled one on top of another in such a state of inconvenience that a consultation was held to decide what to do about it.

Some fish were for landing upon the earth. Others thought this impossible as they would perish when exposed to the air and the heat of the sun. Besides, they had no legs or feet like the other animals. While so conferring among themselves, there came a large fish, bringing with him the rock Tosaut. Tosaut had been broken and they found in its center a ball formed like a bladder and filled with gall (a greenish liver solution which aids digestion). They emptied the bladder into the fresh water and it was converted into a bitter condition. The water immediately swelled and overflowed upon the whole earth covering the places which it does now. All the fish immediately rejoiced to find themselves with so much room to move around in, and at the change in taste of the water.

Nocumo, having created all the things contained in the world, then created man, or the first Indian, out of the earth, and called him Ejoni. Afterwards he created woman and called her Ae. It is not known of what she was made, but they thought she was created out of the earth as was man.

Many years after the creation of Ejoni and Ae, they had a son and they gave him the name of Ouiot. Ouiot means something which has taken root, denoting that he would extend his power and dominion over the earth, as the largest trees spread their roots in every direction. The Indians don't know if he was given the name of Ouiot at his birth or when he came to be celebrated as the great captain.

The Indians all lived in peace until long ago out of a place known as Pubuna, located about eight leagues north of San Juan Capistrano, came great monster who was Ouiot. Ouiot was of fierce disposition, a warrior, and soon gained supremacy over the surrounding area adjoining where he originated. At first he was kind and generous to such a degree that all appeared happy and contented with their captain. However, after a few years he gradually exposed his ferocity and persecuted many of his followers. He treated them cruelly, and some he put to death. He soon became detested by all his subjects.

A consultation of the Elders was held to decide how to get rid of Ouiot. It was determined that he should receive death by poison. The rock of Tosaut was procured [for this purpose], and while in the act of pulverizing the ingredient, they were found out by one called Cucumel, who told Ouiot of their plot.

Cucumel was a small animal inhabiting holes in the ground from which he emerged in the daytime for sustenance. Ouiot, believing he was hated and despised, dispatched messengers in every direction to learn the truth, and also to threaten those that were conspiring. He obtained no information, so looked upon the rumors as a jest.

In the meantime, the mixture was properly prepared, and it was then discussed how it would be administered. It was said that it was so potent that just a little on the skin would cause almost instant death. One of the conspirators was entrusted to carry out the execution. he approached Ouiot in his sleep and placed a small quantity of the poison on his breast. On waking, Ouiot became sick and weak in his limbs. He feared he would die, so he called in all the intelligent men from the area. The more they administered for relief, the worse he became. Finally, he died.

Couriers were sent out everywhere to summon all the people to the internment of their grand captain. In a few days, so many had gathered in Pubuna that it could not contain them. Many camped on the outskirts of Pubuna while it was being decided whether to inter the body or burn it. It was decided to burn it, so a funeral pyre was prepared. There was dancing and rejoicing around the pyre while the body was burning.

Before everyone returned to their different places of abode, a consultation was held to regulate the collecting of grains or seeds of the fields and flesh to eat. Up to this time they had fed upon a kind of clay. During this consultation there appeared to them one called Attajen, which implies "man" or "rational being." They did not know from where he came. He wanted to know why they were conferring. They told him their grand captain was dead and that they had all gathered for the funeral and now they were consulting as to the manner they should subsist in the future in order that they did not have to eat clay as they had before.

Attajen was pleased with them and he told them, "Ye are not capable, nor can ye do what ye think, or wish to do. I am the only one that has power, and I will give it to ye that ye may have an abundance to eat in your habitations." He selected a few of the Elders and endowed one with the power to cause the rain to fall, another to make grain, and others to make animals such as rabbits, deer, etc. It was understood that these powers would extend to their successors.

Many years and perhaps even ages passed until one called Ouiamot appeared to the people at Pubuna. He was the son of Tacu and Auzar. It is assumed that these came from a distant land. Ouiamot did not appear as a warrior like Ouiot, but as a god. To Ouiamot the people were to offer presents, for he was Chinigchinich. He was feared, venerated, and respected by the Indians. He taught first in the area of Pubuna and afterwards in all the neighboring parts, explaining the laws and establishing the rites and ceremonies necessary for the preservation of life.

One day, at a very large congregation of people, he danced before them adorned in robes and with his flesh painted black and red, and calling himself Tobet. He told them he had come from the stars to teach them things that they did not know. After dancing a long time, he separated the chiefs and elders from among them and directed them that they alone should wear the kind of dress he was wearing. He then taught them how to dance. To these chosen Indians he gave the name of puplem, who would know all things and relieve the inform and diseased. In other words, they became the sorcerers to whom the Indians might apply for advice. In the event of scarcity of food or any infirmity they were to dress in costume and dance as Tobet taught them. They were to do it in the name of Chinigchinich, not Ouiamot, and their wants would be relived. In all cases they were to return thanks, and to this day, whenever they chance to secure an animal of any kind they say, "guic Chinigchinich," which means, "thanks to Chinigchinich, who has given me this."

Chinigchinich taught the Indians how to build the vanquech, which means "temple." He taught them how they were to conduct themselves therein, forbidding any others than the chief and puplem entering its sanctuary. Within the temple, only the laws and ceremonies were to be taught. Those who entered would be called Tobet. The remainder of the people were called Sorem, which signifies "persons who do not know how to dance," or in other words, those who could not wear the costume of Chinigchinich. The name of Quagar was given to Chinigchinich when he died and ascended above to the stars.

Before Chinigchinich died he told them, "when I die, I shall ascend above, to the stars, and from thence I shall always see you. To those who have kept my commandments, I shall give all they ask of me; but those who obey not my teachings, or believe them, I shall punish severely. I will send unto them bears to bite, and serpents to sting them; they shall be without food, and have diseases that they may die." His memory is so revered among the Indians that they ever besought him in all their undertakings, and regarded him with fear and respect.