All about the ancient tribes
The Calusa men were tall and well built with long hair. Calusa means “fierce people,” and they were described as a fierce, war- like people. Many smaller tribes were constantly watching for these marauding warriors. The first Spanish explorers found that these Indians were not very friendly.
Calusa Indian Language (Caloosa) Although the Calusa tribe was once extremely powerful (defeating the Spanish on numerous occasions) and technologically advanced (building canals and artificial islands), they were devastated by European diseases and the tribe essentially disbanded in the early 18th century.
Unlike other tribes, the Calusa did not make any items from pottery. Shells were used to make items like jewelry, utensils, and tools. They discared shells into huge piles, called mounds, which can still be found in many parts of Florida today.
In their early period there is evidence of sacrifice of captives and of cannibalism. The Calusa also journeyed to Cuba and other Caribbean islands, trading in fish, skins, and amber. During the 16th century they defended their shores from a succession of Spanish explorers.
Little is known about Calusa religion. They believed in three superior beings, one controlled the weather, the others ruled the welfare of the tribe and warfare. Each human had three souls, present in his shadow, his reflection in water and in the pupil of his eye.
The Calusa Indians were coastal people who ate mostly fish, oysters, and other seafood. Hunters also shot birds and small game.
The Calusa wore little clothing. The men wore a deerskin breechcloth. The Spanish left less description on what the Calusa women wore. Among most tribes in Florida for which there is documentation, the women wore skirts made of what was later called Spanish moss.
The Europeans brought diseases with them that the Timucua easily caught and died from, since their bodies did not have natural resistance to the diseases. The Spanish taught the Indians how to live like Spanish did.
They were descendants of Paleo- Indians who inhabited Southwest Florida approximately 12,000 years ago. During the Calusa’s reign the Florida coastline extended roughly 60 miles further into the Gulf of Mexico.
The Calusa Indians were originally called the “Calos” which means “Fierce People.” They were descendants of Paleo- Indians who inhabited Southwest Florida approximately 12,000 years ago.
The Calusa tribe in Florida planted rows of trees near its villages to protect against hurricanes. Explanation: The Calusas were also distinct among other Native Americans because they were headed by a hereditary king.
Phonetic spelling of Calusa. Caa-loo-saa. Meanings for Calusa. They were the native American people from Southwest Florida and it means “fierce people”. Examples of in a sentence. Translations of Calusa.
Like other south Florida Indians, the Tequesta wore very little clothing, just breechcloths ( loincloths ), perhaps made of palmetto, for the men, and skirts of Spanish moss for the women.