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Kumeyaay astronomy

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Geographical range
  
El Vallecito

Period
  
7000 BCE - c. 1875

Kumeyaay astronomy

Kumeyaay astronomy or cosmology (Kumeyaay: My Uuyow, "sky knowledge") comprises the astronomical knowledge of the Kumeyaay people. A deeply rooted cosmological belief system was developed and followed by the Kumeyaay civilization based on this knowledge including the computing of time (Kumeyaay Mat’taam).

The first evidence of astronomical observations and visual registration was discovered in the El Vallecito archeological zone. The "Men in a square" rupestric painting located at El Diablito area of El Vallecito depicted a square that aligns with sunlight on the Fall equinox. These paintings were made by the nomadic kumeyaau people. Kumeyaay sand paintings and rock art modeled the passage of the sun, moon, and constellations.

Observation areas were made by the Kumeyaay to watch and register astronomical events. However many were destroyed by vandals before protection measures were instituted.

Astronomical objects

  • Hatotkeur (Spine of the Sky) - Milky Way
  • Constellations:

    References

    Kumeyaay astronomy Wikipedia