Ifakoya
Ifakoya is an Arawakan constellation name from Lokono. This constellation is referring to Spirit of the Muscovy duck.
Etymology and History
Spelling Variants
Origin of Constellation
The constellation Ifakoya ‘Spirit of the Muscovy duck’ (Cairina moschata) was mentioned by the Penard brothers and Claudius de Goeje but remained unidentified until now.[1][2] The contemporary Lokono on the Pomeroon River in Guyana recognize it in parts of the Western constellation Corona Australis. There are no myths related to this constellation but the Lokono say that when the head of the duck points toward the ground, looking as if the duck has its head under the water, the ducks are busy feeding on plants. The constellation assumes this position from mid-May. At this time, it is said that the birds are easier to catch. The Muscovy duck is considered a delicacy and is also often kept around the house like chickens. The Kari’na and the Warao also recognize the constellation of the Muscovy duck, and at least the Warao one corresponds to the same stars.[2]
Mythology / Religion
Weblinks
All HIP Stars within this constellation
IAU Working Group on Star Names
References
- References (general)
- ↑ Goeje, Claudius Henricus de. 1942. “De Inwijding Tot Medicijnman Bij de Arawakken (Guyana) in Tekst En Mythe.” Bijdragen Tot de Taal-, Land- En Volkenkunde van Nederlandsch-Indië 101: 211–76.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Penard, Frederik Paul, and Arthur Philip Penard. 1907. De Menschetende Aanbidders Der Zonneslang. Paramaribo: H.B. Heyde.
