Dictionary of 500 Kogi words and mythological characters
Culled from various academic pieces by Geraldo Reichel-Dolmatoff.
z is pronounced generally like the j in jardin (French) and x as the ch in ach (German).
Reference is made as to which version ( Northern or Western slopes) the mythological character comes from. Reichel-Dolmatoff worked with the Mamas in constructing various diagrammatical models (i.e. the Loom model) which are also referred to in the meanings.
Abu Sé – one of the first six spiritual parents who originated spirit and thought, according to Ramon Gil’s exegesis. The other parents were Zaku Sé, Ade Sé, Kaku Sé, Jawa Sé and Jate Sé. ‘They created everything in spirit, in the non-material world. They were not people, not air, not anything, just idea.’
Ade Sé – see Abu Sé and Sé.
-ang – suffix found in feminine mythological names of ancient Tairona origin
abáxsë – black
ábuan – maternal?
abúci – white
abúci atéima – ‘white-big one’. Venus (Enduksáma), daughter of Sun and Moon
abúldo – thin
abúldu – small
Ahíkwa/Hirvöíxa – son of Enduksáma
Ahuímal-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die of ‘haemorrhages’ go to
Akín-due – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born
Alauhuíku – in charge of all rituals connected with cultivated fields and wild-growing fruits. Lord of SSW, lord of animals, fire and dry season. Red body, tall & thin, large head. One of the sons of the Mother associated with the cardinal points. Youngest of all the lords but the wisest. Wears a garment of white cotton cloth
Aldauhuíku – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born, associated with the SE. ‘Lord of Trees’
Aldúna Háte – ‘spirit father’, mythical being associated with world level 9 in northern slopes version
Aldúna Múlyi – ‘spirit cotton’, mythical being associated with world level 7 in northern slopes version
Aldúna Sánkalda – ‘spirit head’, mythical being associated with world level 8 in northern slopes version
Aldúna Se-ne-nulang – ‘our spirit earth’, mythical being associated with world level 6 in northern slopes version
aldusányi – left
alnáua – zenith
alnáua/arhuínese – temple
Alúna – pure thought, memory, spirit, soul, mind, imagination
aluna zakwa – fabric of Life; clothes
Alúna-yumang – mythical being associated with world level 8 in western slopes version
alúnan géina – ‘ways of the soul’/pardonable emotions
alúnan kúxa – metaphysical reference to the ‘crossroads’ in a diagram based on solstice
alúnan kúxa-chi haba – ‘they are the mother of soul’s ears’
alusénka-chi – ‘good ways on the night side’; context: the loom model
aluxtatáne-yé – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘cramps’ go to
arzékve – checkered
aséizi – right
atéima – big
atsësi – red
axalduka – hips or legs
aximunakalda agakué – ‘the part where one does the weaving’; lower bar of loom + sexual connotation
Bonga/Bunga – village (Bunkunagega) on the northern slopes being developed as a trading/health centre
Búnalyue – the first legendary Máma to teach a group of disciples. See Mukuánauiaishi
búndzi – daughter; related to munsá
Búnkua-neuldang – mythical being associated with soil colour ‘white’
Búnkua-se – ‘the shining one’, one of the sons of the Mother-Goddess (white/penis) – son of Háte Ktakéne-ne-nuláng and Hába Se-ne-nuláng. A Lord of the Universe – 18 in all according to the Western slopes version. He established the rules by which future mámas were chosen and educated, and is the personification of highest moral principles in Kogi ethics, thus the patron and spiritual guardian of the priesthood. One of the mythological figures who embody principals of light and justice
Bunkuányu mang – mythical being associated with world level 10 in western slopes version
Bunkunagega – full name of the village Bonga; means ‘to awake’ in Kogi
ceraú – related to the cluster of roots which signify maleness, testicles and procreation
Cerua – ceremonial site on the Sevilla River
Chendúkua – ceremonial centre of the Sierra Nevada on the Guatapuri river
dáke – matriline
Dashíbia – wife of Malyíneka-máma
Doana-neuldang – mythical being associated with world of sand and soil colour ‘yellowish’
Doanankuívi – a mountain created by the 4 sons of the Mother-Goddess at the head of the Tucurinca river, inside which was the first ceremonial house where novices trained for priesthood
Dondzi-neuldang – mythical being associated with soil colour ‘brownish’
dúe – older brother
Dúe Nugi – a mythical sinner tied to Orion’s rack, a rapist
Dúe Sángui – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born
dúga – daughter
Duginávi – ‘older brother jaguar’, great carver of ritual masks. He fights his father, Thunder Lord, steals his drum, and is banished to the barren Guajira peninsula
Duginávi akánkuin gau – ‘Duginávi made the kankuí’
duláma-kéxa – a village in the Beyond
Dzibúndziza – mythical being associated with those who harmed trees and fruits
éibi-ci háte – ‘Father of Maize’, another name for Alauhuíku
Eisua aluna zakwa askuima gau tei – ‘Alone one weaves one’s Fabric of Life’
eldunhualda – shed-stick; part of loom
Elnau-yang – mythical being associated with world level 9 in western slopes version
Enduksáma – 1 of 4 daughters of Máma Teiku; the planet Venus
gau/gaul – to make, create, initiate, consecrate
Gaulcovang/ Gaulchovang – the Great Mother, origin of all things, occ. referred to as Spider Woman
Gaulkuché/Gaulkuchéxa – Lord of Death (whose realm lies in the snowfields)
Gauna-neuldang – mythical being associated with soil colour ‘green’
gáya – concubine
gélda – pubic hairs
géma – fire sticks
géma abáxsë – black fire sticks, as carried by Seokúkui
géma abúci – white fire sticks, as carried by Seizánkwa
géma atsësi – red fire sticks, as carried by Alauhuíku
géna/géina – way, direction
Guacanaoma – paramount chief of the Taironas, to whose autjority the naomas were subject.
guámelda – a green parrot
güidénku – a squirrel (Sciurus sp.)
Güimeláke – ceremonial centre of the Sierra Nevada
Gonawindua/güinavíndua – the peak area of the sierra, the snowfields
Guingala – helper and companion (in the centre) to Mulkuëxe
guisguina – small pointed stick, like a thick needle, used in weaving
güíshi – basketry tray used by a novice to cover his head when leaving the house at night
gula – arms; also of garments
gux (root) – signifies fire and/or sexual energy
guxtsé-ci nungá – ‘shadow of fire’, cold black fire of the netherworld, realm of Black Sun( Father Night)
Gwi – rock, structure, support, column. Gwi had to be fashioned by Serankwa according to the law of Sé as part of the organisation of the material world. Gonawindua, the peak area of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, was one result of this organisation.
Hába prefix – mother (as in Hába Gaulcovang)
Hába Ahúnyika – ruler of 7th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Auine-nuláng – a mother of the 4th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Bunkuáne-ne-nuláng – ruler, with Háte Sai-cáka, of the 6th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Disi-se-yuntaná – a mother of the 4th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Enkuáne-ne-nulang – mistress of 5th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Guxánexan/Mukulú-dzúi – representative of Hába Gaulcovang who grants priests some of their powers
Hába Guxsénse – Hába Gaulcovang as the mother of fire, lit. ‘mother fire-less’
haba ha-ité – ‘Mother-sits-here’ (ref: a point on a loom diagram)
Hába Hakungéna – mythical being associated with world level 2 in northern slopes version
Hába Hangéina – an evil Mother
Hába Haxtoxé – ‘Mother Stone Lineage’
Hába Kané-nulang – mistress of 2nd layer in the netherworld ‘whither evil souls go’
Hába Kánexang – the ‘Mother of the Drum’, mistress of the 3rd layer in the netherworld
Hába Kaxsintána – ‘mother of the lineage of green trees’, mythical being associated with world level 4 in northern slopes version
Hába Kenyazé – ruler, with Háte Ahuíneka-taná, of 8th universal level in Western slopes version
Haba Mameyumáng – presides over ‘the end of the world’; ref. metaphysical model of the nuhue
Hába Mokéta – wife of Seizánkwa
Hába Múli – wife of Mulkwá-kukuí, the only benevolent couple of the netherworlds
Hába Mutsíua – wife of Seokúkui, mother of consecration
Hába Nábia – Mother-jaguar
Hába Nabobá – ‘mother jaguar-eye’. Evil. Represents female sexuality in its most uncontrolled form. Many children by Sintána, devouring some at birth. Taught women to weave bags
Hába Nínulang – the mother of Hába Gaulcovang according to some sources, see ni
Hába Nyëxan – wife of Máma Mususí in the highest of the upper worlds
Hába Saldán – mythical being associated with world level 3 in northern slopes version
Hába Sayagaueye-yumáng – a mother of the 4th universal level in the Western slopes version
Hába Se-kalalímue – another name for Hába Mutsíua
Hába Se-ne-nuláng – an aspect of the Great Mother here married to Háte Ktakéne-ne-nuláng
Hába Se-nyuí-yumang – ‘mother-penis-sun-woman’; original teacher of how to use the kankuí
Hába Se-yubang/Hába Se – (mother penis) – an aspect of the Great Mother when married to Nimatái-yubang
Hába Sívalidsínue – Hába Gaulcovang as the mother of the snowfields
Hába Sivuláng – mother of skin & broken bones i.e. dismemberment. Rules 4th layer in netherworld
Hába Sivulyuváng – another name for Gaulcovang
hag/haggi – stone
hana kuxa – one of the 4 main posts (nugikuí) of the nuhue with priestly significance
hánkua-kúkui – adult members of mámas household who supervise novices
hánkwa – chief/administrator
Hankwa-tuxe – one of the 4 original patrilines. Associated animal: puma. Lord: Seizánkwa
Harldùma-yang – mythical being associated with world of stones and level 5 in western slopes version
Háte (prefix) – father
Háte Ahuíneka-taná – ruler, with Hába Kenyazé, of 8th universal level in Western slopes version
Háte Ktakéne-ne-nuláng – husband of Gaulcovang in her aspect as Hába Se-ne-nuláng
Háte Mulkuá-kukui – a solar being
Háte Sai-cáka – ruler, with Hába Bunkuáne-ne-nuláng, of 6th level in Western slopes version
Háte Salálu & Hába Hárvalëxan – live in the 3rd layer of the netherworld under Hába Kánexang
Háte Sei – Father-night, ruler of the 4th upper world
Háte Sivaxáli & Mulkwakána – cannabalistic couple of 4th layer in netherworld with green skin and green clothes
hatúkula – circular mirror of black stone (as carried by Seokúkui)
heisán-dúe – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
Heiséi – death
heiséi-chi aluséshka – ‘Death-of-the-Left-Side’; context: the loom model
Heiséi-chi kuíbuldu – ‘Land of the Dead’, lit. ‘death’s little houses’
heiséi-chi nyí-zula – death’s white water – context: the loom model
hélyi – honeycombs
hélyis kaldauká – bench?
Hindukánni – 1 of 4 daughters of Máma Teiku
Hinduksáma – 1 of 4 daughters of Máma Teiku
hintúl-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘pains in the joints’ go to
hisá-bá – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
hisá-meiyi – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
hisán-dúe – another village or way station encountered by the soul in the Beyond
hisan-kaxa – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
hisáui kaizé – River of Death
hisei keihi – ‘delivering the dead’; a rite performed by the Mamas to ease a soul’s suffering ; ‘loosening of the dead’; a 9 day ritual undergone by a wandering soul
hotákin-dúe – a village in the Beyond where all ‘comisarios’ go to
huáldakema-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘pain in the jaw’ go to
huangkuan-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘vomiting’ go to
hubi – small enclosure in the ceremonial house where novices used to live
hugúkui – another reference to Mulkuëxe. Translates as ‘Comisario Mayor’
hukúkui – chiefs/owners
Hukúkui-tuxe – one of the 4 original patrilines. Associated animal: owl. Lord: Seokúkui
Hukuméizi – ceremonial centre of the Sierra Nevada
Hukuméizi-tuxe – one of the 4 original patrilines. Associated animal: jaguar. Lord: Sintána
Húl-dake – one of the 4 original matrilines. Associated animal: deer. Madre:Sivaldungáya
husáxa – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
huve/hubve – hut, probably the small ritual hut for male initiation
Húviexan – one of 2 younger brothers to Máma Teiku
huxkúkui – another reference to Mulkuëxe. Translates as ‘Comisario Mayor’
ishkuéldyi – reborn in the spiritual sense. See seiváke
Jate Sé – one of the first six spiritual parents who originated spirit and thought, according to Ramon Gil’s exegesis. The other parents were Abu Sé, Zaku Sé, Ade Sé, Kaku Sé and Jawa Sé.
Jawa Sé – another of the first six spiritual parents. See above and Sé.
kábalmal-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘dizziness’ go to
kabási – to sleep
Kabúnma-yang – mythical being associated with world level 4 in western slopes version
kággaba – Primarily, the name the Kogi call themselves, i.e. ‘The People’. Also, in one cosmological account (Western slopes version) the soft-boned prehuman people born to Gaulcovang.
kággaba kuítsi – elongated necklace bead of reddish stone
kággi – earth
kákëlya – sexually experienced
Kaku Sé- one of the first six spiritual parents who originated spirit and thought, according to Ramon Gil’s exegesis. The other parents were Abu Sé, Zaku Sé, Ade Sé, Jate Sé and Jawa Sé. See Sé.
kalasuna – men’s wide trousers. From Spanish calzones
kalauká – small wooden bench fashioned by a mourner
kalditáma-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘thinness’ go to
kaldsexáma-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘itch’ go to
kalebitú – peccary
kalguashízan – digestive tract?
kalguasíza – images of everything that was to exist – created in alúna by Gaulcovang.
kalkuána – sword-shaped wooden club, as carried by Seizánkwa
kálta – book, from Spanish carta
kálta búci – white book
kalvasánkua – world axis i.e. the spindle thrust into the universe by the Mother (a phallic concept)
kalvasánkua-ci múzi – world axis-seat, another name for kankuí
kalvasankwa – central post; the post Gaulcovang put through the earth, after the creation
kályi – firewood
kama – a spiritual power achieved during fasting or meditation
káma – strength
kámuke-máma – one of three mamás who serve as counsel to the soul questioned by death
kan (root) – signifies ‘old,ancient’
Kan-zalyintána – a mythical priest
kangékua – beehive shaped?
Kangusina – mother vagina, personification of the Great Mother
Kankuána-neuldang – mythical being associated with world of trees and soil colour ‘brown’
kankuí – 2 crossed sticks used to tell time by the sun?
karakacú – antlers
kásan – feet?
Kasindúkua – principal mythical jaguar priest; a son of the Mother, a shaman and healer but abuses powers by turning to rape. Stands in sewa relationship with Seokúkui
Kassaúgi – a mythical Father
Kasúmma/Kasémma/Katsúma – occasional names for the Great Mother, Hába Gaulcovang
Kaxsáta/Kaxsháta – Seizánkwa as Lord of Earthquakes (northern slopes version)
Kaxtasínma-yang – mythical being associated with world of green trees and level 6 in western slopes version
Kaxyúno-mang – mythical being associated with world level 3 in western slopes version
kazé – shore, riverbank
Kimáku – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born
Kogtóma-yang – mythical being associated with world level 11 in western slopes version
kuála tási – plantains
kuilínsa – a wasp that accompanies a recently deceased soul
Kuisbángui – Lord of Thunder
kuishgámake – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
kuísi – to dance
kuíska – dancer
kuívi zesi – priestly novices, abstinents; also moro
kuku/kukul – root word meaning ‘ancient stone
kukuba – ‘right shoulder’ of the loom (looking from the front)
Kukuméizu – son of Seizánkwa and Hába Mokéta – first man to wear a garment of woven cloth
kulca – seed
kulchalyía – one of the 4 main posts (nugikuí) of the nuhue with priestly significance
Kumígua – concubine (gáya) to the sun in the 3rd upper layer
Kuncá-ne-yumáng – one of 2 wives of Mulkuëxe; note kulca means seed
Kunca-vitauéya – ‘seed-half-span’, meaning penis
Kunca-vitauéya – Lord of the NE, of water, rainy seasons, rock crystal and owner of seminal energy
kunca/kurca seed, semen, stock, origin
kuncama – heart (and the intersecting central poles of a loom)
Kunchavita-uéya – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born; associated with the SW
Kurc-tuxe – one of the 4 original patrilines. Associated animal: opossum. Lord: Kuncavita
Lasací – helper and companion ( in the centre) to Mulkuëxe
makasue alduna – ‘life’s fabric’; of a woman
mákto – a large opossum (Didelphis marsupialis)
makú – lords
Makú Kasindúkua – one of 3 Jaguar Lords in the 5th universal level in the Western slopes version
Makú Noána-se – another of 3 Jaguar Lords in the 5th universal level in the Western slopes version
Makú Peli – son of Máma Teiku
malda – thin transverse rod used in weaving
maldashízan – umbilical cord?
Malká-yubang – (spider woman); daughter of Nimatái-yubang and Gaulcovang as Hába Se
malkwa – ‘Spider Boy’
Málkwa-yang – Hába Gaulcovang as the mother of weaving
malyíneka-máma – one of three mamás who serve as counsel to the soul questioned by death
máma kaizé – River of the Sun
Máma Miguel (Migízi) – Nolavíta principal informant of Preuss (anthropologist)
Máma Mususí – the Wasp Priest, inhabits the highest of the upper worlds with wife Hába Nyëxan
Máma Nekán – elder brother to Máma Teiku
Máma Nukánna & Sálexang – cannabalistic couple of 4th layer in netherworld with green skin and green clothes
Máma Nyëxan – one of 2 younger brothers to Máma Teiku
Máma nyuà abáxsë – ‘priest-sun-black’, lord of the nadir and elder brother to Mulkuákukui
Máma nyuí – ‘priest-sun’; the sun, see Mulkuákukui
mama nyui abaxse – ‘the black sun’, i.e. after sunset
mama nyui zakwan gau – ‘the sun is weaving’
Máma Sálue – father of Salíma
Máma Teiku – important personage of the 3rd upper world
Máma-neuldang – mythical being associated with world of the sun and soil colour ‘dark red’
mama-róngo – refers to sun in religious and astronomical context
máman géina – ‘priestly ways’
Mamarongo – ceremonial site on the Tucurinca River
mámas – priests
mámas-káxa – sun’s mouth; great chasm in the west which swallows the sun (an infernal image)
mámashkáxa – ‘the end of the world’ presided over by Haba Mameyumáng
Mamasingula – sacred site on the Hukumeizi River
Manavi – one of the sun’s messengers (cabos) associated with the North, helper and companion ( in the centre) to Mulkuëxe
máni maldauxé? – ‘where have you been?’
Mankuáma-yumang – mythical being associated with world level 7 in western slopes version
máua kaizé – River of Tears
Maukuí – toad; Sun’s first celestial wife (Bufo marinus) soon rejected because of adultery
maukuí – slang for vagina
maukuí-kalda – horn shaped roof apex of the nuhue
meyízu – double sea shells; from Spanish mellizos/ twins
mihai paca – Coelogynis paca
mita-uéya – half-span
Mitamdú – one of the 4 original matrilines. Associated animal: snake. Madre: Mitamsáma, wife of Kunca-vitauéya
mixa-mixa – ‘hurry, hurry’
moro – young man trained in priestly ways
moxshínkala – bones?
muán – centre
mugaxa – ‘right hip’ of the loom (the cross at bottom left looking at it from the front)
mugí – agouti (Dasyprocta)
Muku-lú-dzi – Hába Gaulcovang in her image as Mother of Pottery
Mukuánauiaishi – valley where Búnalyue and disciples established the centre for training novices
mul (root) – signifies to light, brilliance, energy implying goodness/heavenly justice
mulatáui-yé – a village in the Beyond
Mulkuá-ne-yumáng – one of 2 wives of Mulkuëxe – note mul relates to light/heavenly justice
Mulkuákukui – ‘day-chief’ (see máma nyuí), lord of the zenith
mulkuákve – prayer-like formulas, containing the religious code, quoted and discussed in private
Mulkuëxe – ‘white-testicle’, one of the mythological figures who embody principals of light and justice; a solar being (see mul), personifies the sun, said to look like a red horse; associated with rituals referring to training of priestly novices (kuívi zesi); first son of the Mother and solar Lord; has 2 wives; Kuncá-ne-yumáng & Mulkuá-ne-yumáng; has 4 testicles coloured white, black, red and translucent; in centre, between Alauhuíku/Kunca-vitauéya, Seokúkui/Seizánkwa ; sits at centre (of temple/universe/womb) accompanied by Teiku, another solar being; sometimes referred to as huxkúkui or hugúkui; the principal lord to promulgate the Law of the Mother
Mulkwá-kukuí – ‘whiteness chief’. Taught people how to spin. Wife Hába Múli.
multóma-yé – a village in the Beyond
multsáma-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die of ‘swellings’ go to
multúbia and hisánna – wives to kámuke-máma
mulyigába matéle – ‘words confused’; refers to first attempts of humans to speak
mulyigába-kaxa – village of death where disputes and litigations are judged
mulyigába/muligéba – refers to origins of human speech
mulyigában géina – ‘ways of words’ /speech – connects Mulkuéxe with the Mother
múmu – messengers. Death’s representatives in the Beyond
múndzi – ‘woman’ in familiar conversation as opposed to sewá. Related to munsá
munsá – dawn, also true moment of creation, also vagina
munséisi – to dawn
munsi – light
musushí – huge yellow wasp that persecutes a recently deceased soul if recaltricant
na sewá – ‘my husband/wife/spouse’
nab/neb/nébbi – jaguar
Nábia – feline monster and wife of Námaku
Nabobá – jaguar eye
Nabsësi – red jaguar
nakuíza – ‘he who forgot’; a state of unlearning achieved by a seiváke person
nam (root) – refers to jaguar, hence Námaku, Namsàui etc.. See nab/neb/nébbi
Námaku – one of 3 feared Jaguar Lords in the 5th universal level in Western slopes version
námatu abáxsë – a black cap
Namsàui – jaguar-devourer
náni – ‘a younger brother’
naoma – local leaders of the Taironas. Their duties, and authority, were similar to those of the mámas today. The naomas of a region were subject to a paramount chief called the Guacanaoma.
néan biró – huge door in the Beyond encountered by the wandering soul
neb-síza one of the 3 felines of the dry season which represent Orion
neb-skiz – as above
neb-tási – as above
nëbbela – a plant that grows only on the páramo highlands (Espeletia sp.)
nébbi abáxsë – black jaguars, apparently quite common in Colombia
nébbikve – ‘Jaguar People’. Generally evil
ni – water
ni-dulúma – ‘water foam’; refers to part of a temple
ní-nulang/sei-nulang – sun-earth/night-earth. Our world – the 5th layer sit. between lower & upper worlds
Nimatái-yubang – husband to Gaulcovang in her aspect as Hába Se-yubang
nínulang shíza – ‘our earth thread’ (metaphysical ref.) – connects beings with Great Mother
nivan-kukui – snow peaks
noábi dúe – ‘Brother Snow’; the highest peaks in the Sierra Nevada
Noana-neuldang – mythical being associated with world of wet clay and soil colour ‘yellow’
Noána-se – ‘wet-penis’,younger brother to Kasindúkua, associated with incest, sodomy & ex-prisoners
nugaxalda – ‘left hip’ of the loom (the cross at bottom right looking at it from the front)
Nugé-nake – one of the 4 original matrilines. Associated animal: armadillo. Madre: Nurlayatakán
Nugi tuxe – a lineage whose members are known to be stocky
nugikuí – posts of the nuhue
nugikuíthe – 2 central posts of a nuhué
nuhué – world-house, ceremonial house , men’s house
nuhúna-dúe – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
nuhúnash-géxa – one of the 9 villages of death through which the soul passes
núlini – to rock, to weigh, to balance
nulu – knee (leading to concept of articulation?)
nulúka/yulúka – balance, agreement
númi – anus. Mámas-númi sometimes used for mámas-káxa
nundushí – a yellow-bellied dove
nungua si mulyihi seisin – ‘the shadow weaves at night’; hisei keihi
Nurldauzíva – wife of Háte Sei
nusábasu-kve – ‘bad people’
núsagëtse – ‘ugly’; first words of humans after mulyigába matéle
Nutsálue – mythical being. Meaning unknown
nuxa/nuka – sickle shaped visor associated with shamans
nuxsusua – marine bi-valves
nyëxka – to plant
nyuí-nulang – water-earth
nyuí – sun or gold
nyúi abáxse – ‘Black Sun’; lives in the west with Háte Séi and Sei-kukui
nyuí-nulang – sun/earth, the 3rd from the top of the upper worlds, each with its own sun
nyúian géina – ‘solar ways’
nyuikába-yé – a village in the Beyond
nyuín guáxe – ‘to measure the sun’ (by the shadow caused by a kankuí ?)
pánkatsa – (ancient Tairona); the foot end of the world spindle
púne – an incense
punkusa (and shishi) – books which contain the law. They are possessed by Seynekun.
sacíta – rabbit
sai – night
Sai-neuldang – mythical being associated with our earth and soil colour ‘black’
Sai-taná – (night lineage); the only supernatural figure who knew how humans would look
Sáka Sínsi – grandmother rat – another possible name for wife of Seizánkwa
Salíma – wife of Máma Teiku and daughter of Máma Sálue
Sámexan/Sámmeya – shadow woman, the moon. Wife to the unnamed sun in nyuí-nulang
sankalda – head
sáunan-gé – a village in the Beyond
Sáungëlda – a mythical priest
saxkalda – weaving implement; heavy sword that battens down the weft-pick
Sé – the core of everything. ‘The original laws, the fundamental principles, are in Sé. Sé has no beginning, it has always existed. It is spiritual existence, the spiritual principle of existence. Sé is not a person, not a thing. It is the sum of things. Sé is complex. Sé brought the material world into being, but it embraces far more than that. Sé organises everything so as to create harmony.’ Ramon Gil – see Spirituality and Materiality.
se-n-dúza – the white stone testicle of Seokúkui
Sé-ne-nulang – ‘our actual earth’, mythical being associated with world level 5 in northern slopes version
Se-nenúma-yang – mythical being associated with our earth and world level 2 in western slopes version
se-táme – ‘penis large’; the black stone testicle of Seokúkui
se-tame abåxsë – the black stone testicle of Alauhuíku
se-tame atsësi – the red stone testicle of Alauhuíku
Se-yubang/Hába Se – the original name of the Great Mother according to some mámas
séan géina – ‘nocturnal ways’
sëgí – deer (Odocoileus sp.)
seguika – ‘left shoulder’ of the loom (looking from the front)
Sei-baxe-degauká – (night-black-leading?)- Gaulcovang in a Western slopes version
Sei-kukui – Night Lord
Séi-nake – one of the 4 original matrilines. Associated animal: peccary. Madre: Nunkályiyuxa
sei-nulang – the 4th upper world i.e. immediately above our world, ruled by Háte Sei
Sei-yunmang – mythical being associated with netherworld and world level 1 in western slopes version
Seihukúkui – Lord of the Western Regions
séimake-máma – one of three mamás who serve as counsel to the soul questioned by death
séinulang – ‘night-worlds
seiváke – perfect, the utmost a soul can achieve in its lifetime
seivákein géina – ‘ways of perfection’/innocent rebirth
Séivaxe Hába – mythical being associated with world level 1 in northern slopes version
séiza – metal coloured, silvery. See Seizánkwa
séiza-záua – black knife, as carried by Kunca-vitauéya
séizaluxa atsësi – red sword-like club carried by Alauhuíku
Seizánkwa – ‘bright colour-chief’, son of the Mother and Earth Lord – associated with the NE.
Séizua – ceremonial centre of the Sierra Nevada
Sekalálimue – Mother of Tukua-shína – lives at nivan-kukui and at the rivers
sekuí atsësi – axe of red stone carried by Alauhuíku
sekuí báxsë/sedúntsi – axe of black stone as carried by Seokúkui
sekuí buci – axe of translucent stone as carried by Kunca-vitauéya
sekuí tási – axe of green stone as carried by Seizánkwa
Sekuizbúchi – a mythical Father, master of incest, homosexuality and promiscuity
sëlda – opposition
sëlda kuxa – one of the 4 main posts (nugikuí) of the nuhue with priestly significance
Sëlda-bauku – 1 of 4 daughters of Máma Teiku
sëlda-l-due – one of the 4 main posts (nugikuí) of the nuhue with priestly significance
sëldasu-kve – people who had ‘given a bad example’
Sentura Gwiawimundwa – the law, the knowledge of the law of Sé and its execution in spirit.
Seokúkui – ‘night chief’, Lord of the West, Lord of the trees and all things black
Serankwa – the masculine principle which combines with Seynekun, the feminine principle. Serankwa was the principle of authority, charged with organising things according to the principles of Sé.
sësa – arrow
sesakalda – heddle-rod in weaving
sësáke – euphemism for phallus. From sësa – arrow
sëssáxein géina – ‘the trails that lead downward’ (spiritually)
sewá – alliance or, in family, spouse. Thus na sewá – my spouse. Also, ‘permits’ given as power objects (stones, beads, minerals) by spirit-owners of Nature to novices etc.
Seynekun – the feminine principle which combines with Serankwa, the masculine principle. Seynekun is fertility. It is Seynekun who possesses the books, shishi and punkusa, which contain the law.
sháxalda-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘pains in the bones’ go to
shí – thread
shishi (and punkusa) – books which contain the law. They are possessed by Seynekun.
shíma-kaxa – village of death (one of nine) where the soul is tied up with ropes
Shimarúa – a mythical priest
shishíbia – wife of séimake-máma
shiválda – lit. ‘little veins’ – a point in the loom model with metaphysical connotation
shubuldúe – the great temple of Gaulkuché
sikuáxalda – long horizontal bar (Seizánkwa and Seokúkui carry the world on one)
singerlé – thank you
sínsi – a rat
Sintána – the first human being/black- faced jaguar (variously)
sivalda – skin, a garment
skóko – a yellowish hare?
ssái-dúe (?) – village in the Beyond where those who die ‘unconscious and suddenly’ go to
stáxalda-dúe – village in the Beyond where those who die from ‘pains in the back’ go to
subutuíla – the water opossum (Chironectes)
súgi – lime-stick
súgi-géina – ‘limestick ways’(taken from a ritualistic/philosophical context)
sui séishi – ‘to feel cold’, in sense of having mastered emotions. See seiváke
sukalda – spindle
súkindúe – another village or way station encountered by the soul in the Beyond
sumna-xalda – ‘at noon thing’, ancient Tairona for kankuí
Sunkána-neuldang – mythical being associated with soil colour ‘red’
Surldabéy – one of the sun’s messengers (cabos) associated with the South
suvéihi – to sing
suvéinka – singer
takbi – snake, also Scorpio
Takina – ceremonial site on the San Miguel River
tambos – ‘wayside stations’ that provide shelter to travellers along the longer stretches of road between villages. Each tambo has cooking jars and firewood stored in it, as well as a small adjacent field from which a traveller can harvest the food needed to prepare a meal.
Taminaka – mythological landscape near Mamasingula
tána – lineage
tarbi – old, venomous but wise; rattlesnake; the constellation visited by the sun at winter solstice
Te-yubang – daughter of Nimatái-yubang and Gaulcovang as Hába Se-yubang
Teiku – related to Mulkuëxe, maybe the same being
téizua – the ancient Tairona language, still used in certain ritual contexts, stems from ceraú
túbi – type of beetle prescribed as food for novices during the first 9 years of education
tukua-shína singuláka – equates to alusénka-chi
tukuashíza – ‘creek-thread’ (metaphysical reference)
tukuashízan ábu – ‘grandmother of tukuashízan’; context: the loom model
tukuashízan géina – waterways, irrigation systems; arterial, urethral, digestive systems
tusúlu abáxsë – black cotton cap (as worn by Seokúkui)
túxe – patriline
úba séshi – the black seeds of Cardiosperma
Ubatáshi – (literally, ‘blue eye’), a mythical tribe
uka – ‘sweet-loving’, as in a young woman
uká – coati + the constellation (the Pleiades) visited by the sun at summer solstice
ulumsíza – another name for séiza-záua
úlyi guan – a type of bird (Penelope sp.)
véikve – cotton cap
vita/bita – half/half measure
yulúka – ‘to be in agreement/harmony with’, theprocess of establishing balance
Zaku Sé- one of the first six spiritual parents who originated spirit and thought, according to Ramon Gil’s exegesis. The other parents were Abu Sé, Ade Sé, Jate Sé, Kaku Sé and Jawa Sé. See Sé.
zákuan-géina – ‘cloth ways’ (taken from a ritualistic/philosophical context)
zakwa – men’s sacklike shirt – takes 5 skeins to make
zakwanci asigi – bobbin-rod or shuttle – carries the pick of weft back and forth, ‘male of the fabric’
zakwandalda – loom
Zalyin-tána – father of Sáka Sínsi
zálzi – foreigner
Zantána – one of the first 9 Lords of the universe to be born
zueldúxa – state of youthful perfection, purity, after ishkuéldyi
