Pronunciation: [pˈiːməz] (IPA) 
The word "Pimas" is pronounced /piːməs/, with two syllables. The first syllable is represented by the letter "P", which is pronounced as /p/. The second syllable is represented by the letters "i-m-a-s", which are pronounced as /iːməs/. The "i" is pronounced as /iː/ and the "a" is pronounced as /ə/. The spelling of "Pimas" is derived from the Pima people, a Native American tribe in the southwestern United States.
Pimas refer to a Native American people who primarily reside in the southwestern United States, specifically in the states of Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The term "Pimas" is used to describe two distinct but closely related groups, namely the Akimel O'odham (River People) and the Tohono O'odham (Desert People). They are known for their rich cultural heritage and have managed to preserve their traditions despite influences from neighboring groups and European settlers.
The Akimel O'odham primarily reside along the Gila and Salt rivers within Arizona. They were historically skilled farmers, known for cultivating crops such as beans, maize, and squash in the arid desert environment. Meanwhile, the Tohono O'odham mainly inhabit the Sonoran Desert region and have traditionally relied on agriculture, hunting, and gathering as their primary means of sustenance.
Pimas have a complex social structure, with families being the basis of their community. They have a strong bond with their local environment and possess extensive knowledge of the land, plants, and animals in their surroundings. Their cultural practices include various ceremonies, rituals, and oral storytelling, which are integral to their identity and have been passed down through generations.
The Pimas faced significant challenges throughout history, including conflicts with European colonizers and the impact of colonization on their land and culture. Despite these challenges, they have managed to maintain a resilient spirit and continue to preserve their traditions, language, and way of life.
The word "Pima" is derived from the name given to the people by neighboring tribes. It is believed to have originated from the O'odham language, specifically the term "Pi mac" or "Pi ma:n" which means "I don't know" or "I don't know his name". This name was used by the O'odham people to refer to a group of Native American tribes that shared language and cultural similarities. Over time, "Pi mac" transformed into "Pima" in English and became an umbrella term for these indigenous groups.
