About the Chitimacha Indians
The Chitimacha were comprised of a confederation, or group of smaller tribes, that shared cultural similarities. Originally, they lived in the Mississippi Delta region of Louisiana. The tribes--Chawasha, Chitimacha, Washa and Yagenachito--consisted of 15 comnunities.
Instructions
History
1. Archaeological evidence points to the Chitimacha living in Louisiana for as long as six millennia before the explorers came. Before that, they were from somewhere in the eastern part of the country. Each of the15 villages was self-governing, but there was also a central government led by a grand chief. The communities were built in the middle of rivers and swamps, as protection against enemies. There were as many as 500 people in each village. They lived in a variety of different styles of permanent homes, depending on the materials close at hand, such as cane, wood and palmetto leaves.
Function
2. The Chitimacha grew corn for hominy and meal. They also hunted and fished, and a large part of their dietary needs was filled by the abundant variety of shellfish. Excellent fishermen, Indians used two kinds of nets, one made of vines that stretched across frames and put into the bayou's mouth, and a funnel-shaped wooden trap still used today. Chitimacha Indians hunted a number of different animals, including bear. They killed smaller animals with blowguns and darts made from pieces of whittled cane. During the winter, the community used a granary raised with wooden posts, which protected the corn from predators. The Chitimacha have long been known for their crafts, especially basketry. These baskets were created out of wild cane reed colored with natural dye and then woven into geometric designs.
Effects
3. When Columbus arrived in the New World, the four tribes of the Chitimacha totaled about 20,000. They did not have much interaction with the settlers, but nonetheless were significantly impacted by the diseases that the Spanish brought to Florida. There were some areas of the southeast where the populations dropped 90 percent. Measles, flu, smallpox, cholera and even the common cold helped wipe out the natives. By the end of the 18th century, the Chitimacha were almost depleted and expelled from their regional villages.
Frenchmen lived with Indian Chitimacha women, traded liquor to the natives and took advantage of the tribes in trades for European goods. Most of all, the Indians were worried about becoming slaves, either of the Spanish, who already had a major presence in the area, or the French, who were trying to made headway into the area.
History
4. The Chitimacha had a number of different myths about the beginning of the world. In one, the Creator of All Things knew everything, although he could not see, hear or be seen. The Creator of All Things submerged the New World, and the fish were created. Yet, when the creator wanted to make men, there was no dry land. The Crawfish was sent to raise the earth. His claws brought up mud that was spread out to make the land. Then the Chitmachas were born. They received laws from the creator that were not followed, and many problems arose. The Creator made tobacco. This quieted the men down, and they acted better. The Creator then made women, who first looked like wood. They were taught walk, cook and sew skins. When the animals met the Chitmachas, they made fun of them. These people did not have any fur, wool or feathers to guard them from the inclement weather or hot sun. The Chitimachas were very sad. Then the creator helped them produce weapos to kill the beasts, The Creator then taught the Chitmachas make fires and to cook their food. The Creator also made the moon, stars and sun, which frequently stopped to give the Chitmacha more time to hunt, fish or fight enemies.
Potential
5. The Chitimacha people say "We were always here" on the Louisiana Basin. Unlike nearly all of the other Native America Indians, the Chitimacha were not forced to move when white colonists arrived. Their tribal lands were drastically decreased to a 260-acre site in Charenton. The Chitimacha Indians are one of four state tribes that are federally recognized. The Chitimacha Indian Reservation has become an active community. Some continue the traditional arts and crafts. The Chitimachas own and operate the Cypress Bayou Casino. The area promotes education, housing,
health care, social service, child care, fire safety, recreation, senior living and cultural programs. In fact, the services have been so effective that the Indians received government grants for additional services and are modeled by Native Americans and other populations.
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