All about the ancient tribes
The Calusa Indians did not farm like the other Indian tribes in Florida. The men and boys of the tribe made nets from palm tree webbing to catch mullet, pinfish, pigfish, and catfish. They used spears to catch eels and turtles. They made fish bone arrowheads to hunt for animals such as deer.
The Calusa (/kəˈluːsə/ kə-LOO-sə) were a Native American people of Florida’s southwest coast. Language.
Calusa | |
---|---|
Region | Florida |
Extinct | ca. 1800 |
Language family | unclassified |
Language codes |
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.
What Happened to Them? In approximately 1528, Pánfilo de Narváez, a Spanish explorer, arrived in the Tampa Bay area. He and his men found the Tocobaga and brought disease and violence to the tribe’s peaceful existence. As a result, the Tocobaga Indians became extinct within the next 100 years.
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.
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.
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.
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.