Lenape mythology

The Lenape (also known as Lenni-Lenape, Leni-Lenape, Delaware Indians and Munsee) are a tribe of Native Americans.

Allowat Sakima[?] (also Alowat Sakima[?], meaning "great chief"), refers to the head deity of the Leni Lenape pantheon. The name is also used to describe legendary heroes and chiefs. A headdress including an eagle tail bonnet, eagle feather coupstick and leggings of deerskin was a symbol of Allowat Sakima.

Kishelemukong[?] is the creator god, not involved in the daily affairs of the Leni Lenape. Instead, he directed the manetuwak[?], the life spirit of all living things, which were created by Kishelemukong. The manetuwak were venerated in ceremonies, rituals, dreams, visions, games and ohtas[?] (see below), as well as through the interventions of the Meteinuwak[?], the shamans who were healers, spiritual and emotional guides and religious leaders; they could communicate with the manetuwak.

An Ohta[?] is a wooden doll carved annually and that were said to have remarkable powers of healing and luck.

A Nianque[?] is a animal guide, such as in a dreamquest.

External Links

• Delaware Tribe of Indians (Bartlesville, OK) (http://www.delawaretribeofindians.nsn.us)