Santee

Santee Burial Customs

The Santee, a Siouan tribe in South Carolina, likely inhabited a village by Scott Lake, where archaeological evidence of their burial customs has been found. They practiced elaborate interments, including constructing conical mounds and using intricately woven coffins. The deceased were honored with mourning rituals, and their bones were preserved for generations. The Santee also commemorated slain warriors with piles of stones and engaged in communal mourning, showcasing their respect for the dead across various burial sites in the region.

Santee Indians

The Santee Tribe, named from the term for river, inhabited the Santee River’s middle course. They belonged to the Siouan linguistic family, though their language is now lost. Documented encounters began in the 17th century, with John Lawson noting their extensive plantations. Involved in various conflicts, they faced significant decline after war and captivity during the Yamasee War and subsequent attacks, with their population dwindling to around 80 by 1715. The Santee name persists primarily in relation to the Santee River in South Carolina.

Wahpekute Tribe

The Wahpekute, meaning “shooters in the leaves,” are one of the seven divisions of the Dakota, historically linked to the Mdewakanton. First noted by French explorers in the late 17th century, they inhabited regions along the Minnesota River. By the early 19th century, their population was around 150 men, characterized as lawless and nomadic. Difficulties arose within the tribe due to the behavior of their chief, Wamdisapa, leading to a split. They ultimately joined the Mdewakanton on the Santee Reservation in Nebraska.

Santee Tribe

The Santee Indians, likely of Siouan origin, inhabited the middle Santee River in South Carolina, with their settlements noted by Lawson in 1700. They maintained a friendly stance toward white settlers but engaged in conflicts with coastal tribes. By 1715, the Santee allied with the Yamasee against the British, ultimately facing devastation from Creek forces. Their sociopolitical structure featured a chief with absolute power, and they practiced unique burial customs. The Santee also cultivated corn and crafted woven goods, reflecting a rich cultural tradition.

The Sewee, Santee, Wateree, and Congaree Indians

The Sewee, Santee, Wateree, and Congaree tribes inhabited various regions of South Carolina, with territories along the Santee and Congaree rivers. The Sewee, coastal dwellers, faced devastation from disease and a disastrous trading expedition. The Santee were a small but hospitable tribe known for their unique burial customs and despotic leadership. The Congaree, although friendly, suffered from tribal conflicts and smallpox. The Wateree, ruled by female chiefs, were encountered by early Europeans, but their population also declined due to conflicts and disease. All tribes likely faced extinction during the Yamasi war in 1715.

Middle Slave Raid Period 1684-1706

During the Middle Slave Raid Period (1684-1706), southeastern Native American populations faced devastating raids, particularly from the Iroquois, Rickohockens, and Westo. This time saw an increase in African slave acquisition, leading to a drastic shift in slave trading practices. Many tribes, such as the Cusabo, Soque, and Catawba, were decimated or assimilated into larger groups due to violence and disease. The landscape of indigenous communities transformed significantly, with many villages disappearing and new alliances forming among tribes for survival amid ongoing conflicts.