Awonawilona (maker and container of all) In North American Indian mythology (Zuni), bisexual creator deity. In the beginning Awonawilona was alone in a dark void, “though outward in space,” according to Report of the Bureau of American Ethology (Cushing), “whereby mists of increase, steams potent of growth, were evolved and uplifted. Then Awonawilona became the sun and mist formed creating Awitelin Tsita (four-fold containing Motherearth) and Apoyan Ta’chu (all-covering Fathersky).” The two then had sexual intercourse and “terrestrial life was conceived; whence began all beings of earth, men and the creatures.” The first humans on earth were strange beings. They had adapted to life within the womb and thus had scales, short tales, huge owl eyes, large ears, and webbed hands and feet. They only adjusted to life on earth very slowly. Among the first humans was Poshaiyangkyo, who led the people from the darkness to the light.

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Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow– Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante