Southwest Indians� Worldviews of Nature Through Origin Myths

• Main Authors: , YULAN PUSPITA RINI, , Prof. Dr. C. Soebakdi Soemanto, M.Hum.
• Format: Theses and Dissertations NonPeerReviewed
• Published: [Yogyakarta] : Universitas Gadjah Mada 2013
• Subjects: ETD
• Online Access: https://repository.ugm.ac.id/119048/; http://etd.ugm.ac.id/index.php?mod=penelitian_detail&sub=PenelitianDetail&act=view&typ=html&buku_id=59038
• Institution: Universitas Gadjah Mada

Within Southwest culture area, the tribes create their own origin myth giving identity to them. Southwest Indians use origin myth as vehicle to bring their messages. Furthermore, they apply their worldviews within the origin myth. Myth is device that can be used to probe society�s culture. In conclusion, phenomena of Southwest Indians can be explored through origin myth. It is because origin myth leads people to have best understanding about particular group�s identity. Besides, origin myth can be a window to see the tradition and worldview of the group. Huge part of Southwest Indians� origin myth employs the elements of nature as vehicle to transfer meaning. They are better known as people who close to nature. In daily experience, they treat nature wisely. It contradicts to European people who treat nature unwisely for gaining benefit and economic reason. Because of that contradiction, this research tries to discover the Southwest Indians� worldviews of nature as reflected in origin myth. There are eight origin myths analyzed in this study. They are origin myths of Jemez, Zuni, Acoma, Pima, Yavapai, Tohono O�odham, Apache and Navajo. Origin myths of these tribes employ many natural elements that can be used to catch the idea of Southwest Indians� worldview of nature. In exploring the meaning lying beyond the origin myths, the research will use integrated approach based on text and context. It will not only determine the origin myths themselves. Yet, the origin myths will be put as social product of the society. The result shows that natural elements are treated as object, as subject, and as object and subject. Natural elements are described to perform action. They have human-like-ability. It can be inferred that Southwest Indians have a faith that nature is alive because it is endowed by powerful spirit. Nature gives great significances as guidance, source of life, medicine, and protector toward Southwest Indians. Moreover, nature does influence the spiritual belief of Southwest Indians. Regarding nature is powerful animate thing, Southwest Indians show deep reverence toward nature.