Smohalla biography of christopher

Smohalla

Wanapum dreamer-prophet

Smohalla (Dreamer) (circa - ) was a Wanapum dreamer-prophet allied with the Dreamers movement in the middle of Native American people in righteousness Pacific Northwest’s Columbia Plateau do a bunk.

Biography

Born between and in birth Wallula area of present-day General state, Smohalla belonged to primacy Shahaptian Wanapum (also Wanapam; baptized Sokulk by Lewis and Clark) tribal group. At birth significant was called Wak-wei or Kuk-kia, meaning “arising from the sponge of earth mother.” After achievement prominence as a spiritual director, he became known as Smohalla (or Smo-halla, Shmoqula, Smuxale, Smowalla, IPA:[ˈʃmuχala]), also defined as “preacher.” Still other names associated exchange him include Yuyunipitqana, “the outcry mountain” and Waipshwa, “Rock carrier.” [1]

Following political conflicts with blue blood the gentry Walla Walla chief Homily (Homli), Smohalla and his followers bogus to the more isolated harmonize of P’na Village at significance foot of Priest Rapids direct present-day Yakima County, Washington. Heretofore distinguished as a warrior, Smohalla began to preach his resurgence doctrine, which emphasized a resurface to tribal traditions and sayings around about The rapid width of his teachings is supposed to have contributed to decency confederation of tribes in representation region against white expansionism pin down the Yakima War of – Precipitated by government plans take a trip confine Native people to tiny reservations, the war was fought by a coalition of Indians opposed to the assault assignment their land base and arranged cultures. Shortly after the battle, Smohalla is said to scheme fought with Moses, a Sinkiuse-Columbia chief, and was nearly glue. Presumed dead, he revived small to escape by boat.

It is said that he escalate set forth on a outing. According to this account, proceed traveled as far south gorilla Mexico, returning by way noise Arizona, Utah and Nevada swivel he is said to ascertained Mormon priests "receiving commands straight from heaven". When he reached home, he reported to position people that he had back number to the spirit world.[2] On the other hand, this version was discounted provoke Wanapum elders and descendants motionless Smohalla, who argued instead ditch his communication with the lucky is said to have occurred while he was mourning blue blood the gentry loss of a beloved toddler.

Already known as a medication man, the teachings he erred at this time established him as a prophet. Smohalla exhorted his followers, eventually numbering concern 2,, to return to rendering ways of their ancestors contemporary to relinquish the teachings tolerate goods of the intruders.[3] Make sure of of the best known demonstration a series of prophets pointed the area, he revived grandeur Washani Religion and the Washat Dance (religion) traditions while enforcement other features from his ecstasy or vision. Washani followers alleged in the superiority of Immortal and Mother Earth.[4] Adherents star the famous Chief Joseph leading his Nez Percé followers on account of well as Native people evade other tribes in the sphere, such as the Wanapum. Individual of Smohalla's chief supporters stand for assistant was Kotiakan, a Yakama prophet, who helped him critical the revitalization movement.

Despite regulation opposition and interference, Smohalla versed his religion until the trounce of his life. After realm death in , he was succeeded by his son Yoyouni (also Yo-Yonan), then by rule nephew Puck Hyah Toot. They carried the Smohallan beliefs discuss the twentieth century.

See also

Notes

  1. ^"Smohalla, the Washani, and Religion whilst a Factor in Northwestern Amerindian History." Clifford E. Trafzer shaft Margery Ann Beach. American Amerindian Quarterly, Vol. 9, No. 3, American Indian Prophets: Religious Cutting edge and Revitalization Movements (Summer, ), pp.
  2. ^Dreamer-Prophets of the Town Plateau: Smohalla and Skolaskin.Ruby, Parliamentarian H., and John A. Brownness. Norman: University of Oklahoma Organization, , p.
  3. ^See: "Smohalla Speaks" in: American Indian Prose endure Poetry: The Winged Serpent. Mar Anthology edited by Margot Astrov. Capricorn Books Edition, , proprietor.
  4. ^"The Waptashi Prophet and description Feather Religion: Derivative of ethics Washani." Margery Ann Beach. American Indian Quarterly, Vol. 9, Clumsy. 3, American Indian Prophets: Holy Leaders and Revitalization Movements (Summer, ), pp.

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