Karankawas

Karankawas Accounts describe Karankawas as a very tall people, who adorned themselves with tattoos and practiced body piercing.

Karankawas They obtained food by a combination of hunting, fishing, and gathering. Fish, shellfish, and turtles were staples of the Karankawa diet, but a wide variety of animals and plants contributed to their sustenance.

Summer The fish and shellfish would go deeper in the ocean to stay cool. Since they couldn’t catch fish, and oysters weren’t safe to eat, they would travel and eat nuts and berries. Winter Oysters and clams are safe to eat because of the warm water. Karankawas would live in large communities and eat the fish and shellfish.

Karankawas The Karankawas were seasonal hunters and gatherers. Dugout canoes laden with hides, pottery, fish traps, bows, arrows and other tools, carried families from one seasonal camp to another.

Wikiup The Karankawas carried their summer home with them. They opened up the walls to allow air to come through and cool them. The floor was covered with clam shells to keep the interior dry and provide a base for cooking fires.

Common Customs Like many other tribes, the Karankawas sometimes ate the leaders and warriors of an enemy tribe. They believed this would magically give them the power and strength of these men.

What happened? 1840- Only 100 Karankawa were alive. 1850- They were all gone