Caddoan refers to a group of indigenous peoples inhabited traditionally in what is now known as the southern United States. The term "Caddoan" is derived from the Caddo language, which is a linguistic group within the Caddoan language family. The Caddoan peoples were primarily concentrated in the region that includes present-day Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, and Oklahoma.
The Caddoan group was comprised of various distinct tribes, including the Caddo, Wichita, Pawnee, and Arikara. These tribes shared cultural and linguistic similarities, which allowed them to be classified under the collective term "Caddoan." Despite the diversity among the tribes, they were united by common aspects of their way of life, such as agriculture, dwelling in fixed settlements, and complex social structures.
The Caddoan peoples had an agricultural-based economy, relying on the cultivation of maize, beans, squash, and other crops. They also engaged in hunting and gathering activities to supplement their diet. Furthermore, they possessed vibrant trade networks, exchanging goods and resources with neighboring tribes and distant groups, facilitating cultural exchange and economic growth.
The arrival of European settlers in the 16th century brought significant changes to the Caddoan way of life, as the newcomers introduced new diseases, disrupted their trade networks, and encroached upon their lands. Today, although the Caddoan tribes have experienced considerable challenges and dispersal, they strive to preserve their unique cultural heritage through efforts such as language revitalization, cultural programs, and maintaining connections to ancestral lands.
