Choctaw Topics – Page 26 of 26

Choctaw Medicinal Plants and Treatment

The Choctaw people possess extensive knowledge of local plants, utilizing a diverse array for medicinal purposes. A collection of plants gathered near Bayou Lacomb includes various species, such as Smilax tamnoides and Erythrina herbacea, used for tonics, and others like Aseyrum crux andreae for treating colic and eye ailments. Several preparations involve boiling roots or leaves to create decoctions for baths and poultices aimed at healing wounds and alleviating fevers. Notably, local flora like witch hazel remains unused despite its abundance.

Choctaw Dances and Music

The Choctaw of Bayou Lacomb perform several distinct dances, each with unique characteristics and forms. Notable dances include the Nanena hitkla (Man dance), Shatene hitkla (Tick dance), and Siente hitkla (Snake dance), which culminates the nocturnal gatherings held in the woods. The performances are accompanied by a single drum, and participants form various formations, often moving in synchronized patterns while singing. Historically, these celebrations were private, as attendance by outsiders was strictly prohibited.

Witchcraft Among the Choctaws of Bayou Lacomb

Witchcraft, or ItoUckunda, among the Choctaws of Bayou Lacomb was practiced by both men and women, with older individuals often suspected of wielding such powers. Beliefs held that witches could fly at night by removing their viscera, accompanied by small spirits that would harm their intended targets. These spirits could infiltrate homes, causing mischief while the witch returned to their normal state. Unlike voodoo practices in Louisiana, the Choctaws did not use herbs to induce illness or misfortune.

Bayou Lacomb Choctaw Myths and Legends

The myths and legends shared by Pisatuntema, Heleema, and John from Bayou Lacomb showcase the Choctaw’s unique cultural heritage, reflecting native concepts devoid of European influence. Their folklore primarily comprises songs that accompany various occasions and includes notable tales such as “Kwanoka’Sha,” “Why ‘Possum Has A Large Mouth,” and “The Girl And The Devil.” Additionally, the Choctaw interpret dreams through the belief that the spirit can leave the body while asleep, which aids in understanding life’s events and potential misfortunes.

Transportation of the Louisiana Choctaw

Dugouts were utilized on the creeks and bayous, though to a limited extent, primarily by Creoles today, crafted from single pieces of black gum. These vessels typically measure 8 to 12 feet in length. Additionally, many current roads likely trace the paths of old Indian trails, such as the “Indian road” from west of Chinchuba to Lake Pontchartrain, which aligns closely with the Chinchuba Creek mound and connects the settlement to the lake’s shore.

Choctaw Games

The Choctaw traditionally engaged in a few games of chance, with notable examples including Lake’lomi and Tanje boska. The former involved players guessing the location of a stone hidden under hats, while Tanje boska utilized blackened corn kernels for scoring points based on their outcomes when tossed. The ball game, or To’le, was pivotal, featuring teams aiming to score by reaching goalposts without using rackets. Besides these traditional games, simple pastimes like swimming blindfolded and rolling downhill were also enjoyed, alongside modern games like marbles and tag.

Choctaw Indian Bands, Gens and Clans

The Choctaw tribe is structured into two phratries, each containing four gentes, reflecting their social organization. Intermarriage is prohibited within the same phratry but allowed across phratries. Property inheritance traditionally favored gentile kin until the 19th century, when changes enabled individual inheritance by children. Clans, known as Iksas, emphasize unity and support among members, forbidding intermarriage within the same clan. The Iksa system plays a crucial role in community cohesion and mutual assistance. Notable clans include Chito, Chufaniksa, and Kushiksa.

George Rogers Clarke’s Campaign

George Rogers Clarke’s campaign aimed to secure Kentucky from British-supported attacks during the Revolutionary War. By June 1778, he led 153 men to successfully capture Kaskaskia and Cahokia without resistance, later recapturing Vincennes in February 1779. Despite this, Indian hostilities persisted, culminating in various skirmishes until the treaty of peace was finalized in 1782. Clarke’s decisive 1780 expedition into Indian territory effectively ended the significant threats to Kentucky, paving the way for safer settlement in the region.

Choctaw Citizenship Litigation, Names A -Z

This post provides an extensive list of names of Mississippi Choctaw Indians for whom scrip was issued following the 1842 Congressional act, in replacement for land entitlement as per the 1830 Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek. Each name reflects the cultural identity of the individuals involved in this historical context, shedding light on the specific claims made by the Choctaw people during this significant period in their history. The names span from A to Y, illustrating the breadth and diversity within the community.

Day Schools Choctaw Nation – A-B

The post details student enrollment and teacher information from various day schools in the Choctaw Nation during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including Alamo, Albion, Albany, Ashland, Beach Creek, Bennington #1, and Bennington #2. Each school report includes a list of male and female students, their ages, the teacher’s name, compensation, and local trustees. The records reflect a diverse student body comprising both Choctaw and white pupils, indicative of the educational landscape of the time.