Earliest Human Evidence in Southwest Louisiana

The general consensus is that the earliest evidence of man in Louisiana is dated at 5,000 B.C., but archaeological experts believe man has been in parts of Louisiana as far back as 10,000 B.C.  In Southwest Louisiana, the earliest known Native American tribes include the Atakapa, the Akokisa Opelousas, and the Bidai.  Like many other early human civilizations, they lived near waterways, such as the Calcasieu River, the Mermentau River, and the Vermilion River.

What’s in a Name?

Of the three tribes in Southwest Louisiana, the most well-known was the Atakapa.  The name “Atakapa” was given to the tribe by the Choctaw, and translates to “man eater.”  The Atakapa tribe referred to themselves as Ishak (pronounced “ee-SHAK”), which means “The People.”  Their territory stretched from Galveston, TX, to Vermilion Bay, LA.  Within their tribe, the westernmost members were known as the “Sunset People,” and members in the East of their territory were known as “Sunrise People.”

Diet and Trade

The Ishak lived on shellfish, fish, and animals that could be hunted.  Sharks could be caught in small coastal lakes, and their teeth were valuable as a trade item.  They did not concern themselves with farming or agriculture, however, they supplemented their diet by gathering wild vegetables, fruits, and nuts.  Any necessary item that was unavailable in the immediate vicinity could be acquired through trade with other tribes.  The Atakapa/Ishak from this area would trade smoked fish, Spanish moss, items found on the beach, bitumen, and feathers for items such as Osage Orange from the Caddo area, projectile points from Avoyelles, skins of large animals, and pottery.

A Civilization in Decline

Their civilization continued until the 1700’s, when whites began encroaching into their territory.  The French, with their advanced weapons and European diseases, destroyed many Native Americans in Louisiana.  Their numbers dwindled in Louisiana from roughly 15,000 Native Americans before the white man’s arrival, down to only 175 Atakapa in all of Louisiana in 1805.  The last Atakapa village was on Indian Lake, near Prien Lake.  Many surviving Ishak tribes merged with the Caddo, Koasati, and other coastal tribes.  Their influence is still felt today, in the names of several local features, such as Calcasieu (“eagle’s cry”), Mermentau (a corrupted version of their chief’s name “Nementou”), and Plaquemine (“persimmon”).

Beliefs and Combat

In Louisiana, all of the major Native American tribes seemed to believe in one major god, numerous lesser deities, and a mixture of good and evil spirits.  All tribes had their own myths, stories, rituals, and customs.  There was no belief in a hell, and life after death was a lot like life on earth.

Human sacrifice, infanticide, suicide, and abortion were practiced by most tribes, and twins were killed, as they were a deviation from the natural order of things.

The Atakapa / Ishak built no temples, but sacred dance houses and charnel houses (similar to mausoleums) were commonplace.

Native Americans believed strongly in their religion, and were very resistant to conversion to the Christian faith.

In combat, the Atakapa preferred to conduct warfare with other tribes using bows and arrows.  They fought while crouched, moving quickly from place to place to avoid arrows.  After their arrows were depleted, both sides would retreat for the day.

“Man Eaters”

Their nickname “Atakapa” (man-eater) came from their ritual practice of eating the flesh of their enemies.  This practice was stopped when they saw how badly it horrified the early French in the region.