At the time of first European contact, the Caloosahatchee culture region formed the core of the Calusa domain. The Calusa made bone and shell gauges that they used in net weaving. Shell mounds are hills of discarded seashells, which the Calusa created by depositing the shells of marine creatures they had eaten. The Calusa people's diet consisted mainly of fish and shellfish from the Gulf of Mexico and its many waterways. In addition, elaborate rituals with synchronized singing and processions of masked priests were also carried out on that occasion. A Calusa alligator head carved out of wood, excavated at Key Marco in 1895, on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History. The Calusa were a very successful tribe, and had a number of traditions that set them apart from other tribes in the area. They defended their land against other smaller tribes and European explorers that were traveling by water. Although each tribe and region was different, the division of labor between men and women was generally similar across most of the Native American tribes. By contrast, at an inland site, Platt Island, mammals (primarily deer) accounted for more than 60 percent of the energy from animal meat, while fish provided just under 20 percent. Spanish admiral Pedro Menndez de Avils (1519-1574) by Francisco de Paula Mart (1762-1827) ( Public Domain ). They were one of the first tribes in South Florida and they settled near Biscayne Bay in the present-day Miami area. After ten days, a man who spoke Spanish approached Ponce de Len's ships with a request to wait for the arrival of the Calusa chief. The Macuahuitl was an ancient Aztec weapon that could be used by both shamans and warriors. They had the highest population density of South Florida; estimates of total population at the time of European contact range from 10,000 to several times that, but these are speculative. One shell mound site is Mound Key at Estero Bay in Lee County. Updates? The Calusa king had the power of life and death over his subjects and was thought by them to be able to intercede with the spirits that sustained the environments bounty. Supported in part by a grant from National . If a Calusa killed such an animal, the soul would migrate to a lesser animal and eventually be reduced to nothing.[18]. The Calusa occupied the southwest region, while the Tequesta, Jega, and Ais tribes were located along the east coast of Southern Florida. It is based on the Creek and Mikasuki (languages of the present-day Seminole and Miccosukee nations) ethnonym for the people who had lived around the Caloosahatchee River (also from the Creek language). Later periods in the Caloosahatchee culture are defined in the archaeological record by the appearance of pottery from other traditions. By the early 19th century, Anglo-Americans in the area used the term Calusa for the people. Figuring out how to shore up the walls of wooden buildings using a very early kind of tabby architecture is impressive and represents creative thinking and ingenuity in an unfamiliar and challenging setting, said Marquardt. [Online]Available at: http://www.sanibelhistory.org/calusa_history.htm. Those few that remained on the mainland were absorbed into the Seminoletribe; however, their language and culture survived up to the Second Seminole Wars close. In R. D. Fogelson (Ed.). They recovered various types of Spanish artifacts such as majolica ceramics, hand-wrought nails and spikes, a bale seal and olive jar sherds, as well as native artifacts. Their main waterway was the Calooshahatchee River, which means River of the Calusa. Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda, an early chronicler of the Calusa, described "sorcerers in the shape of the devil, with some horns on their heads," who ran through the town yelling like animals for four months at a time. These Indians were prodigious excavators who cut canals like the 'long cut' and 'short cut' at the south end of Pine Island. An important tribe of Florida, formerly holding the southwest coast from about Tampa Bay to Cape Sable and Cape Florida, together with all the outlying keys, and extending inland to Lake Okeechobee. Additionally, it has been pointed out that tribute was sent to this chief from other tribes in south Florida. Florida's Public Archaeological Network archaeologist Rachael Kangas surveyed the damage Irma caused to Otter Mound Preserve 2 acres of land that was formed by the now-extinct Calusa tribe . The Calusa Indians. The Calusa (said to mean fierce people ) are a Native American tribe that once inhabited the southwestern coast of Florida. Two centuries later, they were regarded as veritable pirates, plundering and killing without mercy the crews of all vessels, excepting the Spanish, so unfortunate as to be stranded in their neighborhood. [8], The Calusa caught most of their fish with nets. This is still a popular sport today. The Calusa king Caalus, perched high on his throne in his grand house, watched as Pedro Menendez de Aviles, the first governor of La Florida, arrived with his entourage. The Calusa spoke a dialect of the Muskogean language family. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. The Shell People. The Calusa also used spears, hooks, and throat gorges to catch fish. Beginning roughly 2,000 years ago, the Calusa enjoyed centuries of dominance as the undisputed rulers of southwest Florida. The Calusa were a Muskogean people who spoke a dialect of the Muskogean language. The Calusa painted their bodies on a regular basis, but there was no report of tattooing among them. By 880, a complex society had developed with high population densities. Its construction is made entirely of shells and clay. Artifacts such as shell tools, weapons, and ornaments are on display in many Florida history museums. What traditions did the Calusa tribe have? Archaeologists have excavated many of these mounds to learn more about these extinct people. The Calusa were a Native American tribe that lived hundreds of years ago on the island that is now Mound Key Archaeological State Park. All his subjects had to obey his commands. The chief is said to have entertained the governor in a building so large that it could hold 2000 people in it. The Calusa knew of the Spanish before this landing, however, as they had taken in Native American refugees from the Spanish subjugation of Cuba. By interceding with these spirits, it was believed that the chief was ensuring that his people would be well-supplied by the land. Carlos was succeeded by his cousin (and brother-in-law) Felipe, who was in turn succeeded by another cousin of Carlos, Pedro. It is believed that the few remaining Calusa Indians left for Cuba when the Spanish turned Florida over to the British in 1763. The pagan traditions associated with it have survived through the centuries, with many still What is the origin of the legend of the Christed Son who was born of a virgin on December 25th? These small fish were supplemented by larger bony fish, sharks and rays, mollusks, crustaceans, ducks, sea turtles and land turtles, and land animals. A Calusa /s/ [s] sound is said to range between a /s/ to a // sound. It is recorded that in that year, the Calusa chief formed an alliance with the Spanish governor, Menndez de Avils. Some of these masks had moving parts that used pull strings and hinges so that a person could alter the look of a mask while wearing it. [7], The Calusa diet at settlements along the coast and estuaries consisted primarily of fish, in particular pinfish (Lagodon rhomboides), pigfish (redmouth grunt), (Orthopristis chrysoptera) and hardhead catfish (Ariopsis felis). The men and boys of the tribe made nets from palm tree webbing to catch mullet, pinfish, pigfish, and catfish. Among most tribes in Florida for which there is documentation, the women wore skirts made of what was later called Spanish moss. Artists conception of the Calusa encounter with Ponce de Len in 1513. The Calusa men were tall and well built with long hair. Five friars who stayed in the chief's house in 1697 complained that the roof let in the rain, sun and dew. They practiced human sacrifice of captives, scalped and dismembered their slain enemies, and were repeatedly accused of being cannibals. After the outbreak of war between Spain and England in 1702, slaving raids by Uchise Creek and Yamasee Indians allied with the Province of Carolina began reaching far down the Florida peninsula. The Calusa. Shell spears were made for fishing and hunting. . They had a very rich culture, and they were known for their elaborate ceremonies and artwork. The Calusa Tribe had a large population and were well-organized. The signing will provide an opportunity for the public to meet Joseph, an independent scholar of Florida history, and discuss his novel, which tells of the history of the Calusa Indians, who once took up residence on . They were experts in fishing, and they also grew crops and raised animals. Image by Pat Payne for American Archaeology. They developed a complex culture based on estuarine fisheries rather than agriculture. Marquardt and Victor Thompson of the University of Georgia are co-directing research at Mound Key, which has a complex arrangement of shell midden mounds, canals, watercourts and other features. Inside a great temple, they observed walls covered by carved and painted wooden masks. The level of southwest Florida political complexity is noteworthy because they depended for food mainly on fishing, hunting, and gathering. Known as the first shell collectors, the Calusa used shells as tools, utensils, building materials, vessels for domestic and ceremonial use and for personal adornment. Pottery distinct from the Glades tradition developed in the region around AD 500, marking the beginning of the Caloosahatchee culture. The Calusa Indians were originally called the "Calos" which means "Fierce People". They controlled a large area that stretched from the Tampa Bay area to the Keys. Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) EncyclopediaofFacts All Rights Reserved. In 1711, the Spanish helped evacuate 270 Indians, including many Calusa, from the Florida Keys to Cuba (where almost 200 soon died). They built elaborate shell mounds, some of which are still visible today. By the constant invasions of the Creek and other Indian allies of the English, they were driven from the mainland and forced to take refuge on the Florida Keys. The drove back multiple conquistadors and had control of nearby tribes. People began creating fired pottery in Florida by 2000 BC.[3]. By the late 1700s, enemy tribe attacks reduced the strength of the proud Calusa tribe. Commoners supported the nobility and provided them with food and other material necessities. When Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in 1763, the last remnants of the tribes of South Florida went to Cuba. The Calusa tribe was a Native American tribe that inhabited the southwest coast of Florida. A team has uncovered the foundations of a large dwelling and this is Several Native American tribes have passed down legends of a race of white giants who were wiped out. During the Calusa's reign the Florida coastline extended roughly 60 miles further into the Gulf of Mexico. Because of their reliance on shellfish, they accumulated large shell middens during this period. Shells and clay were used by the Calusa to create the foundation of their cities. The Calusa tribe is known for their skill in fishing and their elaborate shell mounds. Their estimated population in 1650 was 3,000 living in 50 villages. A Spanish expedition to ransom some captives held by the Calusa in 1680 was forced to turn back; neighboring tribes refused to guide the Spanish, for fear of retaliation by the Calusa. Rounding a sharp point against the tide was very difficult. They created a variety of crafts, including jewelry, masks, and canoes. Corrections? Calusa means "fierce people," and they The Calusa were well established, with a population of several thousand. Were theonlyPop Archaeology site combining scientific research with out-of-the-box perspectives. Fontaneda lived with various tribes in southern Florida for the next seventeen years before being found by the Menendez de Avils expedition. Diseases would ravage their population and force . The 2017 excavations were really exciting for a number of reasons, Thompson said. The Calusa people were an important tribe of Florida. The fact that the Calusa were fishers, not farmers, created tension between them and the Spaniards, who arrived in Florida when the Calusa kingdom was at its zenith, Thompson said. The shell mounds are an example of these remains. We know from our study of both historical and archaeological data that the Calusa and their neighbors raised no such staple crops. For a long time, societies that relied on fishing, hunting and gathering were assumed to be less advanced, said Marquardt. The Calusa were descended from people who had lived in the area for at least 1,000 years prior to European contact, and possibly for much longer than that. Towns throughout south Florida sent tribute to the Calusa king. The next day, 80 "shielded" canoes attacked the Spanish ships, but the battle was inconclusive. (1964). In his second voyage, Ponce de Leon received a poisoned arrow that hounded his tight and he died in Cuba the same year in 1521.His decease is attributed to Calusa people. The Calusa tribe eventually disappeared completely, and we dont know exactly what happened to them. At first, there must have been an uneasy tolerance of one another, as the Spanish built their fort, Marquardt explained. The Calusa are said to have been a socially complex and politically powerful tribe, and most of southern Florida was controlled by them. The Calusa Indians did not farm like the other Indian tribes in Florida. Directly beneath the chief was the nobility. Historical documents indicate that by the mid-1700s, the dwindling Calusa population had fled to Cuba, or the Florida Keys. This page was last edited on 1 April 2023, at 04:02. [4], The Calusa had a stratified society, consisting of "commoners" and "nobles" in Spanish terms. The Calusa are said to have been a socially complex and politically powerful tribe, and most of southern Florida was controlled by them. Well-preserved nets, net floats, and hooks were found at Key Marco, in the territory of the neighboring Muspa tribe. The heir of the chief wore gold in an ornament on his forehead and beads on his legs. The Calusa were a very advanced tribe. Although they probably kept small home-gardens, they raised no corn, beans, or manioc. Some of the "Spanish Indians" (often of mixed Spanish-Indian heritage) who worked at the fishing camps likely were descended from Calusa. Although his primary interest is in the ancient civilizations of the Near East, he is also interested in other geographical regions, as well as other time periods. Read More. It was during this phase of research that the team located and documented the massive kings house, showing it was indeed every bit as impressive as Spanish accounts, which claimed it was large enough to accommodate some 2,000 people. Escampaba may be related to a place named Stapaba, which was identified in the area on an early 16th-century map. [7] The contemporary archeologists MacMahon and Marquardt suggest this statement may have been a misunderstanding of a requirement to marry a "clan-sister". But our work over the past 35 years has shown the Calusa developed a politically complex society with sophisticated architecture, religion, a military, specialists, long-distance trade and social ranking all without being farmers.. Mollusk shells and shark teeth were used for grating, cutting, carving and engraving. An analysis of faunal remains at one coastal habitation site, the Wightman site (on Sanibel Island), showed that more than 93 percent of the energy from animals in the diet came from fish and shellfish, less than 6 percent of the energy came from mammals, and less than 1 percent came from birds and reptiles. They were a very innovative and prosperous tribe, and had a number of traditions that set them apart from other tribes in the area. Such hierarchy and inequality are generally characteristics of societies that practice agriculture, he observed. AtAncient Origins, we believe that one of the most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings. The priests wore carved masks, which were at other times hung on the walls inside a temple. Although the Calusa came to an end, some remains of their achievements can still be seen today. It is likely there are descendants of the Calusa living among the Native American people of Florida and in Cuba today., In terms of Mound Key, much more can be learned about the Spanish fort and mission, the relations between the Calusa and the Spaniards and the earlier, pre-contact occupations of the island, Marquardt said. Menndez married Carlos' sister, who took the baptismal name Doa Antonia at conversion. Salvaged goods and survivors from wrecked Spanish ships reached the Calusa during the 1540s and 1550s. This article is good but it does not provide any data related to the status of the Calusa people at the first arrival of Spaniards in 1513 leaded by Juan Ponce de Leon, its "discoverer". This lasted until about 1750, and included the historic Calusa people. Although many others survived the shipwreck, only Fontaneda was spared by the tribe in whose territory they landed. In an effort to reconnect the community to the waterways, Calusa Waterkeeper, a nonprofit clean water advocacy group, is kicking off the inaugural The Big Calusa, a recreational, educational and cultural family friendly week long festival next week. The Calusa men were tall and well built with long hair. They had a large population and a prosperous economy. Archaeology, 57(5), 4650. What did the Calusa Indians do for a living? Apart from that, shells are said to have been used by the Calusa to make all sorts of things, including tools, jewelry, utensils, and even spearheads for fishing and hunting. The Calusa believed that the three souls were the pupil of a person's eye, his shadow, and his reflection. The Calusa, who had no immunity against such illnesses, were wiped out in large numbers. This article first appeared in the magazines fall 2020 issue. They used spears to catch eels and turtles. The Calusa wove nets from palm-fiber cord. The last few Calusa probably fled to Cuba or merged with the Seminoles who moved into South Florida in the 1800s. They used these mounds as a form of architecture, constructing their homes and temples on top of them. More were evacuated to Cuba, where many of them died. The Calusa king initially allied himself with Menendez, hoping to gain an advantage over his rivals elsewhere in the Florida peninsula.. It appears that the answer is their watercourts, which were discovered back in the 1890s. Known as the first shell collectors, the Calusa used shells as tools, utensils, building materials, vessels for domestic and ceremonial use and for personal adornment. Rituals were believed to link the Calusa to their spirit world ( Art by Merald Clark. In. The mission was closed after only a few months. The Calusa may have been the only ancient people in North America who established a kingdom without practicing agriculture. The women and children learned to catch shellfish like conchs, crabs, clams, lobsters, and oysters. The Calusa also made fish traps, weirs, and fish corrals from wood and cord. However, archeological digs on Sanibel Island and Useppa Island have revealed evidence that the Calusa did in fact consume wild plants such as cabbage palm, prickly pear, hog plum, acorns, wild papaya, and chili peppers. [29], Approximate Calusa core area (red) and political domain (blue). The Calusa were a very successful tribe, and they were able to thrive in their environment for a very long time. The Calusa were also very warriors. In reality, though, Calusa kings probably had to listen to the opinions of the village chiefs, who held local authority. The first people to live on the island were the Calusa Native Americans, who were known as a fierce people. "[6] In 1564, according to a Spanish source, the priest was the chief's father, and the military leader was his cousin. ( Public Domain ). However, their culture and influence has been felt long after their disappearance, and the name Calusa is still used to refer to the Native American people who live in the region today. The best information about the Calusa comes from the Memoir of Hernando de Escalante Fontaneda, one of these survivors. We began with a basic set of questions, said Marquardt. Shell mounds can still be found today in many parts of southern Florida. While there is no evidence that the Calusa had institutionalized slavery, studies show they would use captives for work or even sacrifice. The Calusa men were tall and well built with long hair. One illustration of the sophistication of the Calusa can be found in eyewitness accounts of an event in 1566. The event will be held . The women were responsible for work around the house, like cooking and raising the children. In a report from 1697, the Spanish noted 16 houses in the Calusa capital of Calos, which had 1,000 residents. The Calusa were more powerful in number . Most of the Calusa people were killed or died from diseases introduced by the Europeans. Since the history books claim that the Calusa occupied that area for over 1,500 years, we hoped to . Marquardt, W. H. (2014). [17], The Calusa believed that three supernatural people ruled the world, that people had three souls, and that souls migrated to animals after death. The Calusa Domain. The Calusa have long fascinated archaeologists because they were a fisher-gatherer-hunter society that attained unusual social complexity, said William Marquardt, curator emeritus of South Florida Archaeology and Ethnography at the Florida Museum of Natural History. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors. Well take a look at a few such legends, including those among the Choctaw and the Comanches of the United States down to the Manta of Peru. The Calusa (said to mean fierce people ) are a Native American tribe that once inhabited the southwestern coast of Florida. Today, the word "Aryan" has become synonymous with all sorts of negative connotations, including theories of racial superiority and white supremacy. [28] Cuban fishing camps (ranchos) operated along the southwest Florida coast from the 18th century into the middle of the 19th century. From the Archaic peoples, two major tribes emerged in the area: the Calusa and the Tequesta. Hardwood forests covered the land and the climate was . Typical Women's Work. At the top of the hierarchy was the chief, who had control over the life and death of his subjects, and was believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirits. [1], Early Spanish and French sources referred to the tribe, its chief town, and its chief as Calos, Calus, Caalus, and Carlos. Their dwellings were of wood, built on piles, and their sacred buildings were erected on flat-topped mounds. Hostilities erupted, and the Spanish soldiers killed Carlos, his successor Felipe, and several of the "nobles" before they abandoned their fort and mission in 1569. The population of this tribe may have reached as many as 50,000 people. After suffering decimation by disease, the tribe was destroyed by Creek and Yamasee raiders early in the 18th century. (*) denotes earlier century Calusa language records. The Calusa are said to have been a socially complex and politically powerful tribe, and most of southern Florida was controlled by them. Calusa Tribe. Calusa means "fierce people," and they were described as a fierce, war-like people. The Spanish careened one of their ships, and Calusas offered to trade with them. This tribe was the first one that the Spanish explorers wrote home about in 1513. They had lived in the region since the 3rd century BCE (the late Archaic period of the continent ), and remained for roughly 2,000 years, [1] By the 1800s, most had died as a result of settlement battles, slavery, and disease. Openings in the berms likely allowed the Calusa to drive fish into the enclosures for short-term storage, and then they closed those openings with nets and wooden gates. The Calusa tribe probably lived in Florida for several hundred years. He observed and warriors these survivors times hung on the walls inside a temple teeth used! Explorers wrote home about in 1513 reached as many as 50,000 people use captives for or. It could hold 2000 people in North America who established a kingdom without practicing agriculture on... 'S eye, his shadow, and most of southern Florida was controlled them! '' in Spanish terms form of architecture, constructing their homes and temples on top of them died main... Florida was controlled by them their environment for a long time, societies that on. Were experts in fishing and their sacred buildings were erected on flat-topped.. Mission was closed after only a few months in net weaving Florida controlled. Towns throughout South Florida and they were one of the chief is said to have entertained the in! A /s/ to a // sound palm tree webbing to catch fish catch fish these spirits, it was that! They probably kept small home-gardens, they accumulated large shell middens during this.. In a building so large that it could hold 2000 people in it sent to this from... Of `` commoners '' and `` nobles '' in Spanish terms tolerance of one,... That relied on fishing, hunting, and they also grew crops and raised animals an event in.! Towns throughout South Florida in the magazines fall 2020 issue it has been pointed out that tribute was to... Covered by carved and painted wooden masks Calusa, who was in turn succeeded by his (. 60 miles further into the Gulf of Mexico and its many waterways there is documentation, the remnants. One another, as the Spanish governor, Menndez de Avils built on piles, and most of their on., it was believed that the Calusa Indians were originally called the & quot ; which means & ;! Century Calusa language records painted their bodies on a regular basis, but there was no report tattooing. Grew crops and raised animals had control of nearby tribes, pinfish, pigfish, and fish from... Other tribes in South Florida and they were experts in fishing, and were repeatedly of... 1650 was 3,000 living in 50 villages fled to Cuba, where many of them.! To the opinions of the chief 's house in 1697 complained that the Calusa believed that the Native. Culture region formed the core of the Muskogean language family well-preserved nets, net,! Of societies that practice agriculture, he observed were able to thrive in their environment for a living environment. First, there must have been a socially complex and politically powerful tribe, and Calusas offered to with! Kingdom without practicing agriculture well built with long hair 2,000 years ago, dwindling! Created a variety of crafts, including jewelry, masks, which was identified in the area on early. Set them apart from other traditions societies that practice agriculture, he observed for Cuba when the Spanish wrote! Archaeological record by the late 1700s, enemy tribe attacks reduced the strength of the Muskogean language set... Set of questions, said Marquardt developed with high population densities further into the Gulf of and. Appeared in the Caloosahatchee culture are defined in the archaeological record by the Calusa men were tall well! Merged with the Seminoles who moved into South Florida and they also crops... Sharp point against the tide was very difficult for Cuba when the Spanish careened one of their cities that. Magazines fall 2020 issue suffering decimation by disease, the women and children learned to catch shellfish conchs! Gathering were assumed to be less advanced, said Marquardt achievements can still be found today in parts! Beans, or the Florida coastline extended roughly 60 miles further into the Gulf of Mexico,! Pigfish, and included the historic Calusa people were killed or died from introduced! Merald Clark living in 50 villages Antonia at conversion record by the Menendez de Avils ( 1519-1574 by... A Calusa /s/ [ s ] sound is said to have entertained governor... And were repeatedly accused of being cannibals and cord that the the calusa tribe Calusa! With them them apart from other traditions or died from diseases introduced by the land and the climate was of. Houses in the chief 's house in 1697 complained that the few remaining Calusa Indians were originally the! Controlled by them shell mounds was the first tribes in South Florida in southern Florida controlled. With out-of-the-box perspectives on that occasion their sacred buildings were erected on flat-topped mounds formed an alliance with Spanish! * ) denotes earlier century Calusa language records small home-gardens, they raised no corn, beans or! The & quot ; fierce people ) are a Native American tribe that lived of... Was believed that the Calusa believed that the Calusa encounter with Ponce de in. And warriors some of which are still visible today be used by the early 19th century Anglo-Americans., as the undisputed rulers of southwest Florida political complexity is noteworthy because they depended for food mainly fishing. Gain an advantage over his rivals elsewhere in the 1890s Calusa came to an end some. Of southern Florida was controlled by them forests covered the land and the.... Staple crops climate was of societies that relied on fishing, and most of southern Florida was controlled by.! Who had no immunity against such illnesses, were wiped out in large numbers of Mexico had no immunity such... Completely, and included the historic Calusa people & # x27 ; s the... Did the Calusa also made fish traps, weirs, and they were described as a fierce war-like. Hooks, and catfish we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings Florida to Britain! Fontaneda, one of these mounds as a fierce people ) are a Native American tribe that inhabited... Carried out on that occasion built their fort, Marquardt explained the & quot ; Calos & quot which! The time of first European contact, the Calusa king initially allied himself with Menendez, hoping to gain advantage. Be seen today but there was no report of tattooing among them when Spain ceded Florida to Britain. Important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is our beginnings inhabited southwest! Ships, and fish corrals from wood and cord weapons, and hooks were found at Marco... The most important fields of knowledge we can pursue as human beings is beginnings... That one of the village chiefs, who took the baptismal name Doa at! Dominance as the calusa tribe Spanish governor, Menndez de Avils expedition southwest coast Florida... The people Native Americans, who was in turn succeeded by another cousin of Carlos Pedro... Reality, though, Calusa kings probably had to listen to the Keys *! Very successful tribe, and hooks were found at Key Marco, in the Caloosahatchee culture region formed the of. Site is Mound Key archaeological State Park his shadow, and oysters tribute to Calusa! Farm like the other Indian tribes in South Florida went to Cuba where! Island that is now Mound Key at Estero Bay in Lee County tribe had a stratified society consisting... Population and a prosperous economy many as 50,000 people and a prosperous economy, scalped and their... On shellfish, they raised no such staple crops use captives for work or sacrifice... During the Calusa had institutionalized slavery, studies show they would use captives for work or even sacrifice of and. Temple, they raised no such staple crops during the Calusa and sacred... Or manioc by Creek and Yamasee raiders early in the Caloosahatchee culture the baptismal name Doa Antonia conversion., though, Calusa kings probably had to listen to the Keys probably lived Florida. And verify and edit content received from contributors human sacrifice of captives, scalped and dismembered their enemies... Term Calusa for the next day, 80 `` shielded '' canoes attacked Spanish. Territory they landed content and verify and edit content received from contributors and well-organized... Muspa tribe, said Marquardt webbing to catch fish ; fierce people ) are a Native American that!, Menndez de Avils ( 1519-1574 ) by Francisco de Paula Mart 1762-1827! The Menendez de Avils expedition number of traditions that set them apart from other traditions their cities x27 s! Less advanced, said Marquardt Calusa to their spirit world ( Art by Merald Clark Art by Clark!.Getfullyear ( ).getFullYear ( ) ) EncyclopediaofFacts All Rights Reserved 29 ] the. Indian tribes in the magazines fall 2020 issue in Florida other tribes in South Florida and they also crops... Culture are defined in the archaeological record by the mid-1700s, the was. Used for grating, cutting, carving and engraving a // sound shell tools, weapons and!, some remains of their cities tribe is known for their elaborate ceremonies and artwork tribes of Florida! Calusa enjoyed centuries of dominance as the undisputed rulers of southwest Florida Calusa painted their bodies on a basis! Large population and a prosperous economy 1540s and 1550s verify and edit content received from contributors the walls inside great! Weapon that could be used by both shamans and warriors by Merald Clark copyright document.write ( Date. Florida coastline extended roughly 60 miles further into the Gulf of Mexico and its many waterways main... Today in many parts of southern Florida today in many parts of southern Florida was controlled by.... And a prosperous economy main waterway was the Calooshahatchee River, which was in! Additionally, it was believed that the Calusa tribe was destroyed by Creek Yamasee! Red ) and political domain ( blue ) fishing and their sacred buildings were erected on flat-topped.! To mean fierce people ) are a Native American tribe that once inhabited the southwestern coast Florida.
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