HomeMy WebLinkAboutIndigenous History (Pre-1800s) of Brazos ValleyWhen the South Texas Plains first entered into written history in the 16th century, hundreds of small, highly mobile groups of hunting and gathering peoples ranged across southern Texas
and northeastern Mexico. The seasonal rounds of some extended to the margins of the Gulf Coast; others periodically probed the higher country on the southern part of the Edwards Plateau.
Many spent their summers among the enormous fields of prickly pear cactus on the South Texas Plains, harvesting the ripe fruits and joining with others in work, trade, and celebration.
These groups varied in size, often seasonally, as small family bands of a few dozen people came together with other bands who all spoke the same dialect and, collectively saw themselves
as one people, or what the Spanish often called naciones, and we might call tribes. Examples of relatively large named groups that we know the most about are the Payaya of the Medina
River valley, the Pacuache along the Nueces River, and the Mariames along the lower Guadalupe River and farther inland to the west. There were dozens and dozens of others, most of which
we know almost nothing about except maybe a name.
Collectively, all these groups have come to be known as Coahuiltecans, but they spoke diverse dialects and languages, some of which were distantly related to one another at best. Some
of the major languages were Comecrudo, Cotoname, Aranama, Solano, Sanan, as well as Coahuilteco. Some groups got along with one another and shared partially overlapping territories,
particularly in the prickly pear season. Other groups were sworn enemies of one another or simply had such widely separated territories and language differences that they rarely came
in contact. Although all were hunters and gatherers, some derived their main livelihood from quite different resource bases at various times of the year. In other words, the term Coahuiltecan
masks considerable ethnic and behavioral diversity.
Over 15,000 years ago, hunter gatherer tribes found their way to what is now known as Carter Creek in Veterans Park and Athletic Complex. In this area, they found native plants that
were vital to their existence. Some of these plants were bulbs, rich in nutrients once cooked. The tribes camped along the creek, gathered the plants, and prepared them for cooking
in pits. The pits were dug, filled with wood, and set aflame. Rocks were added. As the fuel burned down, the food was wrapped in plant materials or skins, and placed on the rocks. More
plant material was placed on top and the pit was covered with dirt. Some of these ovens cooked for 12, 24 or 48 hours.
What happened during these long waiting periods was just as vital to the tribes’ existence as the food they were preparing. Tribal members gathered around the pits where children played,
young people met and became friends, and the elders told stories. Their entire culture was preserved and handed down to the young members during these events.
Today, when Dr. Thomas and his graduate students re-create the hot rocks cook off, the same sort of bonding, mingling, and story-telling takes place, not only among the tribal representatives,
but among the students, as well.
By bringing in the ancient indigenous tribes, a significant exchange of culture takes place.
The Dept. of the Army funds 28 tribal representatives to come to this event. These tribal representatives are on a list of federally approved tribes eligible for restitution. The Tap-Pilam
Coahuiltecan are not eligible for this list. They were not part of the federally
recognized group that fought in the Indian Wars. This tribe is from the area south of San Antonio. Most were converted by the Spanish missionaries.
The Tap-Pilam Coahuiltecan are a very poor tribe. Last year, we were able to get funding to bring them. This was the only way that they could participate. Their participation is necessary
because they were the ones who demonstrated the traditional methods of cooking barbacoa. Barbacoa is the head of a cow, skinned, seasoned with wild onions, wrapped in plant materials
and buried in a pit and cooked with hot rocks. This was one of the most unique presentations of the weekend.
Because the Tap-Pilam is a very poor tribe, it is difficult for them to preserve their culture. By having them participate in our event, their culture is passed on to us. We learn from
their culture, a bond is formed, friends are made, and we meet again the following year. This tribe was able to bring a totally different element to our event.
The cultural exchange is necessary to prolong the existence of their tribe. We have much to learn from these indigenous people who knew how to live off the land.
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