The state Alabama is named after the tribe Alabama. Nobody knows just where the name came from. Some said it could be from the English word “Albina” meaning “Campsite” in their native language or probably a name of a native town in Alabama. It could also be the English form of “Alba Amo”, a Choctaw word meaning “clearing brush”. Native American Alabama tribes were originally from this state.
The Native American Alabama
As the name suggests, the Alabamas were native residents of Alabama. In the 18th century, they were forced to move to the west and today, most Alabamas can be found in Texas, together with the Coushattas people, and in Oklahoma together with the Creeks. Other Alabamas were absorbed by the Florida Tribe together with the Seminoles. Some went to Louisiana together with the Coushattas. There were about 2,000 Alabama Indian in total population.
In Texas, the Coushatta and the Alabama tribes share one reservation. Indian reservations belong to indigenous people and are under their control. Earlier, each Alabama tribe was led by a “miko” or chief. The Coushatta and Alabama had separate leadership but nowadays, the Alabama-Coushatta is ruled by a shared tribal council with chosen council members coming from each tribe. In Oklahoma, the Alabamas were officially considered as part of the Creek people but they preserve their own government separately from the Creeks.
Today, most Alabama people converse in English but elders still speak Alabama or Alibamu which is their native language. These days, Alabama is a rare language because children are not learning it anymore. There are some Alabama, however, who are still thriving to keep their native language alive.
The Alabama men were known hunters. They went to wars to defend their families. On the other hand, Alabama women were farmers. They were also good at child-rearing and cooking. Both genders contributed in storytelling, music, artwork, and traditional medicine. Some time ago, a man can only be the chief while in the current period, an Alabama woman can already partake in the government.
The Native American Alabama tribes dwelled in square-shaped communities of houses and little farm lands. Their houses had displays on the walls and thatched roofs. Their houses were as warm and strong like log cabins. They also built big round cottage for town meetings and their villages had lacrosse area with bleachers for spectators. Their villages were usually surrounded with secured walls or palisades to safeguard them from attacks. Today, Alabamas reside in modern houses or apartments.
The breechclout was the native costume of Alabama men. It was worn with leggings to protect or hide their legs. The women were dressed in wraparound skirts fashioned with woven fiber. They also wore moccasins, a soft shoe used by the Native Americans. Shirts were not popular then but both genders wore poncho-style cloaks during the cold season. During the colonial period, they adopted the full skirts and waistcoats worn by the Europeans. Unlike the Sioux tribe, the Alabamas did not wear long headdresses. The men often had their heads shaved leaving a scalp lock and would also put porcupine roach. The Alabama women usually had their long hair tied like a bun. During special occasions, men and women paint their faces. They had different patterns depending on the occasion such as festive decoration, religious ceremonies, and war paintings. Some Native American Alabama people also had tribal tattoos.
