indicate the level to which a name has been verified.
Gender Masculine
Usage Sioux, New World Mythology
Meaning & History
In Lakota mythology Iktómi is a spider-trickster spirit and a culture hero for the Lakota people. Alternate names for Iktómi include Ikto, Ictinike, Inktomi, Unktome, and Unktomi depending on region and surrounding dialects. Spider deities are known throughout many of North America's tribes. While Iktómi is often depicted as a trickster figure, he is often used in morality lessons for the young & is also considered the bringer of Lakota culture itself.