The Caddo Indian are known as a nation which consists of several different southeastern American tribes. The Caddo tribe lived in what we now know as Northern Louisiana, southern Arkansas, and Oklahoma East Texas. During the 19th century, the Indians were placed forcibly on a reservation in Texas and then once again moved to Indian Territory in 1859.
Caddo Indian Tribe
Legend of the Caddo people explains that the Caddo tribe came out of an underground cave they knew as Chahkanina which means the place of crying. This cave is located in what we today know as Louisiana and were the Mississippi River and the Red River meet. In the legend, Moon, their leader expressed to the entire tribe not to look back at the cave. With the tribe were the religious figures such as the drummer, the chief’s wife, and several different animals. One animal, the wolf, did not obey the chief and looked back at the entrance of the cave. At once, the opening of the cave closed trapping all the other animals and people inside.
Caddo Clothing
The Caddos male wore breechcloth in most cases but at times were leggings made of leather to protect their legs. Caddos clothing for women wore wraparound skirts and ponchos created from deerskin and woven fiber. Both male and female members of the tribe wore moccasins and earrings. Only in cold winter months did the males wear anything on their upper body which then they wore buffalo robes.
Caddo Food
The Caddo tribe were farmers and mainly lived on crops that were harvested by the women of the tribe. Their main diet includes sunflowers, pumpkins, beans, and corn. Of course, the males hunted for meat such as fish in the river, buffalo, and deer. Some of the most popular meals of the Caddo were stews, soups, and cornbread.
Caddo Houses
The Caddos tribe did not live in homes like other tribes but lived in two types of houses. In Louisiana, the tribes created very tall grass homes that resemble beehives, while in Oklahoma and Texas the tribes created homes made from the earth with thatched roofs.
Caddo Indian Facts
There are different Caddo tribe facts that have been passed down from generation to generation or were discovered during excavations of the areas where the tribe called home in the past.
A few of the Caddo facts include the weapons they used which were the tomahawk, bows, and arrows and lances.
The tribe was very well known for their artistry in creating pottery that was decorated with bottles to pots.
Music was an important part of the Caddo tribe with the drum being the center instrument. The drum was so large that several of the male tribe would play at once.
The Caddo tribe had good relationships with the Quapaw, Kiowa, Comanche, and the Osage and usually traded goods. However, there were also times they were at war with the same tribes.
The Caddo and other Indians mentioned above did not fight over the land but to prove their bravery and courage. The warring parties were never fought to kill one another or to destroy their villages. The idea was just to count the number of times you touched the other tribe without causing harm.
