Originally considered a distinct stock, the Chimariko are now classed in the Hokan linguistic family.
Chimariko Indians. From the native word chimar, “person.” Also called: Kwoshonipu, name probably given them by the Shasta of Salmon River. Meyemma, given by Gibbs (1853).
Connections. Originally considered a distinct stock, the Chimariko are now classed in the Hokan linguistic family.
Location. On the canyon of Trinity River from about the mouth of New River to Canyon Creek.
Villages:
- Chalitasum, at the junction of New and Trinity Rivers.
- Chichanma, at Taylor Flat. Himeakudji, at Big Creek.
- Hodinakchohoda, at Cedar Flat.
- Maidjasore, at Thomas.
- Paktunadji, at Patterson.
- Tsudamdadji, at Burnt Ranch.
Population. The Chimariko were estimated by Kroeber (1925) at 250 in 1849; only a few mixed-bloods are now living.