Opata literally means “enemies” as that was what they were called by their neighbors, the Pimas. Actually Opatas are a tribe of Piman stock. Little is known about them, because their tribe extinguished more than a century ago. They were the original inhabitants of most of Sonora, where the Sierra is located.

Though usually loyal to the Mexican government, they rebelled in 1820, but after a gallant effort they were defeated.

LANGUAGE

The Opata language has a striking resemblance with that of the Pimas.

RELATIONSHIP WITH OTHER TOWNS

The Pimas were always the traditional enemies of the opatas, maybe because Opatas deserted them. Also, the Mexican government allied with the Opatas in many occasions to fight other tribes.

INTERESTING FACTS

Many towns in the Sierra of Sonora have Opata names, some of them are:

- Aconchi - "In the execution walls"
- Arizpe - "Place of the brave or red ants”
- Arivechi - San Javier de Arivechi - "Place of the skull"
- Bacadehuachi - San Luis de Bacadehuachi - "En la entrada del carrizo"
- Bacerac - "Where the water is seen”
- Bacoachi - Cuchibaciachi - "Water serpent"
- Banamichi - Banamitzi "Where the water turns”
- Baviacora – Babicori "The mint that grows in the river"
- Bavispe - "Were the river changes direction"
- Curcupe – “The Place Were The Dove Sings”
- Fronteras - Corodeguachi "Crane road"
- Huasabas- "Pasturelands"
- Huepac - "The Big Valley"
- Imuris - "Plain between rivers"
- Matape - Mazatan - Matapa - Villa Pesqueira "Place of deer"
- Moctezuma - "Place of lots of palo fierro"
- Tepache, Tepatzi, Tepachi - "Place of the beautiful women"
- Villa Hidalgo, Oputo - "Place of palo fierro".

Source:

Instituto Nacional Indigenista – http://www.ini.gob.mx