In the northwestern limits of the state of Sonora, in San Luis Rio Colorado in border with Arizona, we find the “Pozas de Arvizu” common land, place of the settlement of the Cucapá or “Cocopah” as they are named in Somerton, Arizona. This population is also settled in Baja California and Arizona, being in Sonora only 52 people and less than 500 in total.

Before Spaniards arrived to this region, Cucapas were settled in the delta of the Gila River and the Colorado. They were fishing and hunting experts, and their population was calculated in more than 10,000, kind and peaceful people.

Cucapá is one of the groups in risk of extinction. Its small population, the lost of almost all their traditions (except the death rituals) and their language, puts themselves in disadvantage with other groups.

The common land, shared by mestizos, is near the Rio Colorado River. Their lands are appropriate for agriculture, but the lack of credits for them, makes them prefer to lease them. There is an elementary school in the common land, where Spanish is taught, and this has led to children and young people abandon the use of their language and with this, the loss of their traditions.

LANGUAGE

Cucapa language belongs to the Joca-Meridional group, Yumapacua stock. Between the Cucapa, there are still people who don’t speak Spanish, mostly women.

ACTIVITIES

Cucapas dedicate to hunting, harvesting and fishing in rivers. Sowing is done in small scale.

Many members of this tribe emigrate daily or in temporal way as wage-earning workers in order to acquire incomes.

This group has used tattoos as a decoration in their bodies.

RELIGION

Religious beliefs are animistic; they make ceremonies to natural forces. Quack doctors take part of these ceremonies, done to death people; as well as in healing of illnesses caused by supernatural things.

CRAFTS

Cucapas make objects once done for daily use, and that are now just made for sale. Some of these objects are: necklaces, capes, and bead belts.

Source:

Secretaria de Fomento al Turismo, www.sonoraturismo.gob.mx

Links:

Cucapas – (Spanish)

Endangered Languages, Cucapa – (English)