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The Kadohadacho group of the Caddo Indians created numerous stories which they passed down from father to son, mother to daughter throughout the centuries. Their myths embodied values of their culture and were used to explain the actions of the world about them. Like most southern Native Americans, Caddo myths pointed to an original home under the earth.
"They came up from under the ground through the mouth of a cave in a hill which they call Cha kani na, 'The place of crying,' on a lake close to the south bank of Red River, just at its junction with the Mississippi. In those days (the story continues) men and animals were all brothers and all lived together under the ground. But at last they discovered the entrance to the cave leading up to the surface of the earth, and so they decided to ascend and come out.
First an old man climbed up, carrying in one hand fire and a pipe and in the other a drum. After him came his wife, with corn and pumpkin seeds. Then followed the rest of the people and the animals. All intended to come out, but as soon as the wolf had climbed up he closed the hole, and shut up the reest of the people and their animals under the ground where they still remain.
Those who had come out sat down and cried a long time for their friends below, hence the name for the place. Because the Caddo came out of the ground they call it 'ina' (mother) and go back to it when they die. Because they have had the pipe and the drum and the corn and pumpkins since they have been a people, they hold fast to these things and have never thrown them away.
From this place they spread out toward the west, following up the course of Red River, along which they made their principal settlements. For a long time they lived on Caddo Lake, on the boundary between Louisiana and Texas, their principal village on the lake being called Sha'childi'ni, 'Timber Hill.'"
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Ancient Caddo people left a few paths in history. There seems to be a general agreement among archeologists who have worked in the area, that the Caddo were direct descendants of nomadic hunters who gathered wild growing seed and berries for food before they began growing domesticated plants; not long before 500 A.D.
Original Caddo Country includes part of four present day American states: Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas. Clusters of villages were built near, around or on both sides of waterways by the friendly and peaceful affiliated Caddo Tribes. The Red River Valley was the main center for the Caddo Nation and this area was considered organized and neutral territory.
Language, chiefs, scouts, hunters, the manner and style of story-telling and jokes, the elegant orators, singing and dancing at social gatherings were a cultural background different from the warriors of the Plains.
Visitors enjoyed the unusual foods and entertainment. Our people were natural environmentalists, basket weavers, pottery makers, traders, builders of homes and places for ceremonial and memorial happenings.
Years later, several European nations, or people of European origin, came to North America and made claims on parts of original Caddo Country. These foreign countries were France, Spain, Later Mexico, the Republic of Texas, the Territories of Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas; and the United States of America.
Once proud, powerful, yet trusting, peaceful people were moved to a land of promise in Oklahoma. Thousands died along the Caddoan pathways in the years of the 1800's.
Our Native American Indians became citizens of the United States of America in the early 1930's. The basic homeland of the Caddo Indians today is in the area of Fort Cobb to Fort El Reno, Oklahoma.
The Turkey Dance is a very old dance still danced today. It may be started in the morning, afternoon, or danced as little as an hour, but it must be finished by the time the sun is down. The amount of songs totally depends on our singers.
The men sing and drum to encourage the women and children to sing and dance. Our social dancing is entertaining but it also helps with our mental stress, physical endurance and it promotes confidence and well being. Caddoan singers have kept our heritage alive and are our Keepers of the Traditions. "To sing in the spirit of the drum is to honor our Great Creator".
Our Flag: "Caddo Indian Nation in Oklahoma";
The small round design indicates the Door; the four Directions; and the four Stages of Life. The Larger circle indicates the Road we walk and the Spirits' journey, experiencing beauty and battle that flow with blessing and wisdom.
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Live Long & Prosper...
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Created on : 05 Jul 98
Last update: 23 Nov 00
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