The Plains Tribes

The Tonkawas Were a group of independent bands Located on Edwards plateau to north of the Brazos River –Pushed off land by other tribes War chiefs lead them –Chose to be friendly –Shared land w/ Karankawas Hunted Buffalo/Small game Lived in Tipis Tried to leave Texas for plains –Comanche/Apaches prevented move –Moved east –Became hunters/gathers –Roots, pecans, acorns, etc. –Skunks, rats, snakes, turtles

The Apaches Six tribes related by common language Lipans / Mescaleros important to Texas Lipans –Wore deerskin clothes and buffalo robes in winter –Lived in Panhandle –Hunted buffalo, farmed sometimes –Spring/summer lived in small villages Harvested crops of corn, beans, pumpkins, watermelons –In fall followed buffalo –Pushed south by Comanches Mescaleros –Comanches pushed them into Texas –Lands stretched from El Paso to Pecos River –Hunters/Gathers –Received name from Mescal cactus, which they depended on

The Comanches 1 st appeared in panhandle in early 1700’s At least 13 bands roamed the plains –No decision could be made w/o approval of council Way of life depended on buffalo –Used every part of animal –Enjoyed pemmican –Perfect for nomads Lived in Tipis Chased all other tribes away from their hunting grounds

The Kiowas Came to Texas after 1832 Comanches bitter enemy –Became allies in 1790 –Raided white settler together Followed buffalos –Lived in Tipis –Similar to Lipans, Comanches Sun Dance –Lasted 3 to 4 days –No food/water –Strengthened the Kiowas