Auppa Hiosig Mashath, Vapkial ha Ñeo’ok (Cowboys Their Talk) 2026

February 27, 2026

Submitted By.

Huhugam Heritage Center

As the Mul-Chu-Tha 2026 rapidly approaches, we observe O’otham ‘out and about’ in preparation for the intense competition that will take place on footrace courses, in gymnasiums, the rodeo arena and other fields of competitions. When horses and cattle were introduced by Europeans, Akimel O’otham had readily adopted them into our Lifestyle. Today, Vapkial Himthag ‘Cowboy’s Way of Life’ is firmly embedded in our community. 

In his book A Pima Remembers, George Webb gives a detailed account of an O’otham horse round up. He embellished his writings with his personal knowledge and life experiences. In the chapter entitled, Horse Round-Up, he describes the activities undertaken by the Vapkial (Cowboys), as a working mounted team. He also gives an accurate account about the geographical location of New York Thicket and the surrounding landscape.  Nowadays, wild horses and other wildlife still roam in those parts.

When O’otham experience the rodeo events, they may hear expressions in and around the rodeo arena. A few Akimel O’otham phrases that might be heard yelled out loud in the rodeo area include the following. When experiencing the calf roping event, O’otham might hear this from the trainer, “Nap th‘o wu:g vakial heg visil?” (Did the cowboy rope the calf?).  Most of the time, the trainer can’t watch the riders, as they prepare the next competitor. At the bull riding event, O’otham might hear one final word of advice from the trainer before the chute opens, “Pi ‘i sha ‘e wig’ith!” (Don’t get thrown!). Once out the chute, this phrase might be heard from the spotter, “Vakial ‘e che:sch heg tholo!”  (The cowboy is riding the bull!). Of course, before the buzzer sounds, this phrase is often heard from the timekeeper, “Vakial th’o ‘i wi:g tholo thap!”  (The cowboy got thrown off the bull!).

Along with the adoption of animal husbandry, came the personal apparel and items used out on the open range.  Vapkial Eñiga (Cowboy belongings) includes: 

Givuḍ (Belt)

Vonam (Cowboy hat)

I’ispul  (Spurs)

Pu:sth (Saddle)

Vashodag (Saddle blanket)

Vijina (Rope)

Gevkuḍ (Quirt)

Piliñ (Bridle)

Vakial-shu:shk (Cowboy boots)

Cheposthakuḍ (Branding iron)

Koli (Corral)

This Month’s crossword will challenge you to identify 12-items associated with cowboys.  Speak with an Elder, or Speaker and learn to say the phrases and words.  Phrases and words may be slightly different between the villages.

A special Thank You to community Elders, whose knowledge of Vapkial ha Ñeo’ok that made this article possible.  Additional source related from A Pima Remembers, George Webb, University of Arizona Press, 1959.