1923-2009: Tribal elder Alvino Siva taught Cahuilla songs, traditions
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| Alvino Siva |
Known for his qualities as being a natural leader and a wonderful singer, Alvino Siva will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Siva, 86, passed away at his home in Banning on June 26, 2009. He was born in Palm Springs on March 1, 1923.
“He was the type of man, who when he said he would get something done, he would,” said Albert Chacon.
Chacon met Siva three years ago and would visit Siva at his home for lunch or dinner. During his visits with Siva, Chacon learned a lot about him and admired the man that he was.
“I feel terrible that he is gone,” he said.
Ernest Siva, whose father was Alvino’s first cousin, said Alvino was a strong leader and someone who always made sure things were done right.
“I guess it is a trait that runs in the family because my father was like that too,” Ernest said.
Ernest said younger males always asked Alvino for advice and he would gladly provide it for them.
“They looked up to him,” Ernest said. “He was a strong person and a natural leader.”
Alvino Siva was the last Cahuilla Indian cowboy. He lived his life learning and performing the Cahuilla Indian ceremonial bird songs, which tell the story of the Cahuilla’s creation in a way that alludes to the migratory movement of birds.
Much of his musical knowledge was passed on to him in his youth by bird singer Mariano Patencio; his friend and mentor, Pedro Chino, who was the last Cahuilla shaman, relayed other traditions.
Siva was a natural on horseback by age 7, and was roping cattle by the age of 8.
He ran cattle in California throughout his life.
Even though he took fierce strides to preserve his vanishing culture, Siva was a true American patriot.
A 20-year Army veteran, Siva was a master drill sergeant and served in WWII and Korea. He wore his uniform proudly at events for the remainder of his life.
As a tribal elder, his knowledge of his region’s history was unmatched, and he was constantly in demand for his input on many books and films. His later years were completely devoted to teaching the Cahuilla songs, language, and traditions to younger generations.
He is survived by his wife Pat Siva, sister Katherine Siva Saubel, brother Paul Siva, and an endless extended family.
As per Alvino’s wishes, he is to be cremated and his ashes will be spread at a later date. A potluck luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Malki Museum located at the Morongo Indian Reservation in Cabazon.
Anyone who knew Alvino and would like to celebrate his life is welcome to attend the event. Guests are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to the event.
“We love Alvino and I miss him so much,” Chacon said. “Our people have lost part of it’s living past. Only a very few carry it now.”
Siva, 86, passed away at his home in Banning on June 26, 2009. He was born in Palm Springs on March 1, 1923.
“He was the type of man, who when he said he would get something done, he would,” said Albert Chacon.
Chacon met Siva three years ago and would visit Siva at his home for lunch or dinner. During his visits with Siva, Chacon learned a lot about him and admired the man that he was.
“I feel terrible that he is gone,” he said.
Ernest Siva, whose father was Alvino’s first cousin, said Alvino was a strong leader and someone who always made sure things were done right.
“I guess it is a trait that runs in the family because my father was like that too,” Ernest said.
Ernest said younger males always asked Alvino for advice and he would gladly provide it for them.
“They looked up to him,” Ernest said. “He was a strong person and a natural leader.”
Alvino Siva was the last Cahuilla Indian cowboy. He lived his life learning and performing the Cahuilla Indian ceremonial bird songs, which tell the story of the Cahuilla’s creation in a way that alludes to the migratory movement of birds.
Much of his musical knowledge was passed on to him in his youth by bird singer Mariano Patencio; his friend and mentor, Pedro Chino, who was the last Cahuilla shaman, relayed other traditions.
Siva was a natural on horseback by age 7, and was roping cattle by the age of 8.
He ran cattle in California throughout his life.
Even though he took fierce strides to preserve his vanishing culture, Siva was a true American patriot.
A 20-year Army veteran, Siva was a master drill sergeant and served in WWII and Korea. He wore his uniform proudly at events for the remainder of his life.
As a tribal elder, his knowledge of his region’s history was unmatched, and he was constantly in demand for his input on many books and films. His later years were completely devoted to teaching the Cahuilla songs, language, and traditions to younger generations.
He is survived by his wife Pat Siva, sister Katherine Siva Saubel, brother Paul Siva, and an endless extended family.
As per Alvino’s wishes, he is to be cremated and his ashes will be spread at a later date. A potluck luncheon will be held on Saturday, July 11 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Malki Museum located at the Morongo Indian Reservation in Cabazon.
Anyone who knew Alvino and would like to celebrate his life is welcome to attend the event. Guests are asked to bring a side dish or dessert to the event.
“We love Alvino and I miss him so much,” Chacon said. “Our people have lost part of it’s living past. Only a very few carry it now.”
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