Ababinili and the Creation of Humans (Chickasaw)
Ababinili (also spelled Aba' Binni'li'), meaning 'One Who Sits Above' or 'Dwells Above,' is the Creator god of the Chickasaw people. According to legend, Ababinili created the first humans from the clay of the earth and breathed life into them. He taught the people how to live, hunt, farm, and conduct ceremonies. Ababinili established the sacred fire as a symbol of his presence and instructed the people to keep it burning always. He created the sun, moon, and stars to give light and mark the passage of time. Ababinili also appointed the thunder and lightning to bring rain. The Chickasaw believ