Description
The Maricopa or Piipaash are a Native American tribe, who live in the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community and Gila River Indian Community along with the Pima, a tribe with whom the Maricopa have long held a positive relationship. The Maricopa at the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community consist mostly of Xalychidom Piipaash members and are concentrated in Lehi. The Maricopa at the Gila River Indian Community are concentrated in Maricopa Colony. The Maricopa are a River Yuman group, formerly living along the banks of the Colorado River.
Language
Their heritage language are/were dialects of the Maricopa and Cocopah language, which belong to the Yuman language family.
Culture
The Maricopa Tribe is known for their red clay pottery work. Various jars and bowls were created for essential needs, made of natural materials. Maricopa economy was based on hunting and gathering, plus intensive agriculture. Since the mid 1980s the Maricopa have relied on income primarily derived from the leasing of agricultural lands and business properties. Additional income comes from growing maize, beans, pumpkins, and cotton. Other gainful pursuits include gathering nuts and berries, fishing, and hunting rabbits.