The Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three Acts

by Mary Austin

GLOSSARY OF INDIAN WORDS AND PHRASES
THE DANCES
COSTUMES

GLOSSARY OF INDIAN WORDS AND PHRASES

The names and phrases used in The Arrow-Maker were chosen from the culture area comprising the central valleys of California, from tribes belonging to or affiliated with the Paiute group. Exact definitions could not always be ascertained and frequently the meaning given by different villages differed widely. Whenever possible the nomenclature of the locality in which the incident occurred is preferred.

Choco. “Fatty”; a nickname of doubtful origin, possibly from the Spanish Chopo.

Pamaquash. “Very tall”; the Paiute equivalent of Longfellow.

Castac. “Place of Springs”; a small valley in the southerly Sierra, from which the inhabitants take their name.

Yavi. A common given name, meaning unknown.

Tavwots. “Mighty Hunter”; a name given to the rabbit in Paiute lore.

Seegooche. “Woman who gives good things to eat.” Lady Bountiful.

Tiawa. A familiar title frequently given to old women, like “Grannie.”