Introduction
Historically, the River Yuman tribes lived in agriculturally-based rancheria settlements scattered along the lower Colorado and Gila Rivers.These groups include the ancestors of the modern-day Mojave, Quechan, Cocopa, and Maricopa as well as the now-extinct Halchidhoma. In addition to these Yuman-speaking groups, the Numic-speaking Chemehuevi-- who moved into Yuman territory in the 19th century-- will also be considered in this section.
The Yuman language subfamily includes four branches, of which two were spoken by the River Yuman. These are the River branch, spoken by the Mojave, Quechan, Maricopa, and Halchidhoma; and the Delta branch, spoken by the Cocopa. The other two branches include the Pai branch (spoken by the Upland Yumans; see Module 9) and the Kiliwa branch, spoken by tribes in Baja California. The Chemehuevi, who have descended from Paiutes, speak southern Numic.
Mohave woman carrying water on her head and holding child, 1907
Source - http://lcweb2.loc.gov/service/pnp/cph/3c00000/3c01000/3c01100/3c01179r.jpg
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