Early Arkansas Tribes
Early Arkansas Tribes The Quapaw, Caddo and Osage were three tribes that occupied lands in Arkansas when the Europeans arrived in the early 1500's. All three tribes were very similar and different in other ways. In the end all three tribes today live on different reservations around the country and still struggle to keep their culture, history and memories alive. One very common theme among these tribes is their strong sense of spirituality. Although each tribe that slight varations of their particular religion they all believed of one supreme god. This god was believed to have created all things and is responsible for all changes in the universe. They believe that sacred spirits could be found in all living things including animals, plants, trees, wind and water. They held ritals and ceremonies to harness the supernatural forces serving the interests of the people. Another similarities of these tribes were the clothing and acessories that they wore. All of these tribes were elborately dressed wearing beaded designs on their clothing. Jewelry and fringes were commonly used. Men either were naked, especially in the Quapaw tribe or wore breechclothes and moccasins. Women wore deerskin skirts and usually went topless during the warmer months. Robes made of buffalo hide helped protect the natives from the cold. Both genders would also paint their faces for special occasions or before going to war. The Caddo and Osage males were known for shaving their heads and leaving hair down the middle like a modern day mohawk. The Osage indians were by far bigger in size and strength than others in the area. Most males were over six feet in stature and some were almost seven feet tall! All three tribes grew a variety of crops along with hunting small game such of turkey, deer and fish to provide food for their families. They grew pumpkins, squash, corn and a variety of different fruit near their villages. These tribes also learned how to grow water