HI’IM

Applegate lists the name "hi'im" as a place at Santa Susana in Simi Valley. Harrington lists the work "qi'im". An informant of Harrington, "Qui", reported that a Fernandeno Indian reported that Santa Susana is called "qi'im", which means mystery. He said that there was a gold mine there south of the tracks and west of the tunnel. Another informant, "Sil", pronounced the word "q'i'm". He said that it is in the hills between the cienegas of Simi and the Tierra Rejada Valley. (The "cienegas" were ponds or wetlands at the western end of the valley.) He said something about there being a rock shaped like a "q'i'm" there. Another time Sil said that it is a hill that is "atravesado", i.e., crosses below, Simi. In any case, "hi'im" and "qi'im" may be the same name. It is likely that "hi'im" refers to the hills at the western end of Simi Valley where the presidential library is located.

I have found "qi'im" discussed in another Harrington note. It is apparent that Harrington knew what a qi'im is. However, the note was for his own use, so qi’im is never identified.

Hi’im means “gathering basket.” Among western Indian groups the term “basket” was used to mean a rock art site. Baskets were female paraphernalia and symbolized a womb.

                                                                                                Mike Kuhn

11-15-04