BASIC PLACE NAME TYPES

Location characteristics (plants, animals, materials)

Descriptive (appearance; resemblance)

Based on human use, resources, etc

Based on historical events; sacred connections, etc

DESCRIPTIVE NAME SUBTYPES

Based on animals

Based on plants

Based on geographic appearance/description

•Based on "fanciful resemblance"

INTERESTING OBSERVATION #1

The fanciful resemblance names can be traced back to mythological references, or to cultural symbols which have mythological importance, at least in many cases. Thus they are not JUST based on resemblance, but on resemblance to a pre-established set of culturally salient features, which the names evoke.

ARAPAHO RELIGION

1) "Power" located high above, in the heavens, associated with the creator

2) Power transferred to humans by mediating spirits and beings, especially animals and medicinal plants.

3) Humans use plants and animals to survive, indirectly benefitting from the blessings of the creator.

INTERESTING OBSERVATION #2

Fanciful resemblance names (evoking mythology and religion) tend to be placed on mountains, cliffs, rock formations, elevated areas.

Animal and plant names tend to be given especially to rivers and lower mountain areas, intermediate between high peaks and valleys.

Human history and usage names tend to be concentrated in the occupied valleys.

CONCLUSION #1

Arapaho arrangement of place names on the landscape tends to impose a cosmological ordering (based on elevation) which replicates in geo-spatial terms Arapaho views of religion, power, and humans’ place in the world.

CONCLUSION #2

Not only are names on landscape found among/derived from decorative motifs, but many decorative items depict the landscape itself

There is a two-way relationship between decorated items and the landscape

Is there something deeper that ties the two together? Yes, religious motifs and myths.