PIMA, pe'ina. One of the leading tribes of the Pintail stock (q.y.). Before being collected upon Gila River and Salt River reservations, Arizona, where they now reside. they roamed, jointly with the Papago. who are practically the same people, over all the territory from the mid dle Gila southward to Sonora. Mexico. Accord ing to their own traditions, which seem to be con firmed by archeological evidence, they formerly lived farther to the northeast, in the Salado River valley, where they had permanent pueblo towns and irrigating canals. Being driven out by hos tile tribes, they gradually moved dawn the Gila valley, halting on their way enough to build and occupy the noted Casa Grande ruins. In their new homes on the Gila they ceased to buill substantial structures and contented themselves with dome-shaped huts of poles covered with thatch and earth. They retained their agricul tural habit. fertilizing their fields by means of extensive irritation canals., and cultivating corn.
beans, pumpkins, melons. and cotton, men and women working together. They also prepare a sort Of bread from the mesquite bean. and a liquor from the great Zaguara cactus. The women make pottery and weave beautiful water tight baskets. (See Colored Plate of INDIAN BAsKErs. under BASKET.) They were brought under the influence of Spanish missionaries at an early- period, hut revolted under their chief, Don Luis. in 1751. destroying all the missions, with every other Spanish settlement in their country. They were subdued after about two years of fight ing and have since remained at peace with the whites, although until recently obliged constantly to defend themselves against the raiding Apache. They bear a high reputation for courage, industry, and honesty. They number on the two reserva tions 4950. For about seventy year; the weaker Marieopa (q.v.) have been associated with them. See PIMAN STOCK.