Coahuiltecan

Background photo from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/user:Zereshk

The Coahuiltecan

"Survivors of the South: Resourceful Nomads of the Arid Lands."

Lifestyle

The Coahuilteaacans were nomadic

• The Coahuiltecan people were nomadic, moving to find food and resources.

• They hunted small animals, gathered wild plants, and ate insects.

• Their shelters were temporary wickiups, constructed from grass and animal hides.

• They adapted their lifestyle to the seasons, following food sources as they changed.

• Socially, they lived in small groups or bands, which helped them cooperate in hunting and gathering.

Photo Credit: Kiowa Buffalo Hunt by Otho Stubbs. Courtesy of Otho Stubbs.

Music by A-Train Entertainment Kiowa Flag Song · Bill Koomsa Sr. Kiowa- Traditional Kiowa Songs ℗ Canyon Records

Location

The Coahuilteaacans lived in both the Coastal Plains and Great Plains Regions

• The Coahuilteaacans lived along the hot and dry Rio Grande Valley in the Coastal Plains and Great Plains regions of Texas.

• They lived a hard life due to lack of food, water, and other resources.

Music by A-Train Entertainment Kiowa Flag Song · Bill Koomsa Sr. Kiowa- Traditional Kiowa Songs ℗ Canyon Records

Food

The Coahuilteaacans were hunter/gatherers

• The Coahuilteaacans lived in an area that did not have a lot of food sources. Their typical diet consisted of:
• Deer
• Rabbits
• Birds
• Javelinas (wild hogs)

• If they were unable to find these animals to hunt, they would resort to eating:
• Insects
• Ant eggs
• Rotten wood
• Spiders

• They were constantly on the move searching for food and never stayed in one place for long.

The Buffalo and the Kiowa: ©2023, Florentine Films

Photo Credit: Kiowa Buffalo Hunt by Otho Stubbs. Courtesy of Otho Stubbs.

Music by A-Train Entertainment Kiowa Flag Song · Bill Koomsa Sr. Kiowa- Traditional Kiowa Songs ℗ Canyon Records

Shelter

The Coahuiltecan lived in temporary shelters

The Coahuiltecan lived in wickiups that were:

• Constructed using local materials like brush, grass and animal hides, making them easy to find and use.

• Designed to be put up and taken down quickly.

• Designed to be easily moved to follow food

sources, which was important for a nomadic lifestyle.

• Wickiups were well-suited to the warm climate of South Texas, offering ventilation in hot weather while keeping inhabitants sheltered.

Watch how a wickiup is made!

Music by A-Train Entertainment Kiowa Flag Song · Bill Koomsa Sr. Kiowa- Traditional Kiowa Songs ℗ Canyon Records

Clothing

The Coahuiltecan made their clothing out of materials native to where they lived.

• Materials: Clothing was made from animal hide and grass

• Men's Wear: In some Coahuiltecan bands, men would wear rabbit skin robes. However, men typically wore little clothing and would only wear sandals when walking over rocky ground.

• Women's Wear: Skirts made of grass or buckskin (deer hide).

• Lightweight and Portable: The clothing was designed to be lightweight, making it easy for nomadic people to carry during their travels.

Music by A-Train Entertainment Kiowa Flag Song · Bill Koomsa Sr. Kiowa- Traditional Kiowa Songs ℗ Canyon Records