Smohalla

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Smohalla (Dreamer) (circa 1815 - 1895) was a

Columbia Plateau
region.

Biography

Born between 1815 and 1820 in the

Lewis and Clark) tribal group. At birth he was called Wak-wei or Kuk-kia, meaning “arising from the dust of earth mother.” After achieving prominence as a spiritual leader, he became known as Smohalla (or Smo-halla, Shmoqula, Smuxale, Smowalla, IPA: [ˈʃmuχala]), also defined as “preacher.” Still other names associated with him include Yuyunipitqana, “the shouting mountain” and Waipshwa, “Rock carrier.” [1]

Following political conflicts with the

Yakima County, Washington. Already distinguished as a warrior, Smohalla began to preach his revitalization doctrine, which emphasized a return to tribal traditions and beliefs around about 1850. The rapid spread of his teachings is said to have contributed to the confederation of tribes in the region against white expansionism in the Yakima War of 1855–1856. Precipitated by government plans to confine Native people to small reservations, the war was fought by a coalition of Indians opposed to the assault on their land base and traditional cultures. Shortly after the war, Smohalla is said to have fought with Moses, a Sinkiuse-Columbia
chief, and was nearly killed. Presumed dead, he revived enough to escape by boat.

It is said that he then set forth on a journey. According to this account, he traveled as far south as Mexico, returning by way of Arizona, Utah and Nevada where he is said to observed

Mormon priests "receiving commands directly from heaven". When he reached home, he reported to the people that he had been to the spirit world.[2] However, this version was discounted by Wanapum
elders and descendants of Smohalla, who argued instead that his communication with the spirits is said to have occurred while he was mourning the loss of a beloved child.

Already known as a medicine man, the teachings he acquired at this time established him as a prophet. Smohalla exhorted his followers, eventually numbering about 2,000, to return to the ways of their ancestors and to relinquish the teachings and goods of the intruders.[3] One of the best known of a series of prophets in the area, he revived the Washani Religion and the Washat Dance (religion) traditions while introducing other features from his dream or vision. Washani followers believed in the superiority of God and Mother Earth.[4] Adherents included the famous Chief Joseph and his Nez Percé followers as well as Native people from other tribes in the region, such as the Wanapum. One of Smohalla's chief supporters and assistant was Kotiakan, a Yakama prophet, who helped him in the revitalization movement.

Despite government opposition and interference, Smohalla practiced his religion until the end of his life. After his death in 1895, he was succeeded by his son Yoyouni (also Yo-Yonan), then by his nephew Puck Hyah Toot. They carried the Smohallan beliefs into the twentieth century.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "Smohalla, the Washani, and Religion as a Factor in Northwestern Indian History." Clifford E. Trafzer and Margery Ann Beach. American Indian Quarterly, Vol. 9, No. 3, American Indian Prophets: Religious Leaders and Revitalization Movements (Summer, 1985), pp. 309-324.
  2. ^ Dreamer-Prophets of the Columbia Plateau: Smohalla and Skolaskin.Ruby, Robert H., and John A. Brown. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1989, p. 27.
  3. ^ See: "Smohalla Speaks" in: American Indian Prose and Poetry: The Winged Serpent. An Anthology edited by Margot Astrov. 1946. Capricorn Books Edition, 1962, p. 85.
  4. ^ "The Waptashi Prophet and the Feather Religion: Derivative of the Washani." Margery Ann Beach. American Indian Quarterly, Vol. 9, No. 3, American Indian Prophets: Religious Leaders and Revitalization Movements (Summer, 1985), pp. 325-333.

References

External links

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