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Bear and Coyote Clans

In Yosemite Valley, over thirty village sites have been found of varying age. The valley was divided in the Miwok view of the world in two parts, that side north of the Merced River, and the side south of the Merced River. The Miwok living on the north side of the river identified themselves s members of the Bear Clan. The Miwok living on the south side of the river identified with Coyote as the totem for their group. When a young boy or girl found it was time to see ka mate, they could not marry with in their Bear or Coyote clan, they had to seek a partner form across the river.