CHITIMACHA+BASKET+SCRIPT

CHITMACHA BASKET SCRIPT

. The Chitimacha grew corn for tortillas and other types of baked goods. They also went fishing and hunting for food and other needs. A large part of their diet was filled by the abundant variety of shellfish. Indians used two kinds of nets to fish, one made of vines that stretched across frames and put into the bayou's opening, and a funnel-shaped wooden trap that is still used today. Chitimacha Indians hunted a number of different animals, including bear, deer, and cougars. They killed smaller animals such as rabbits or squirrels with blowguns and darts. The Chitimacha have long been known for their basketry. These baskets were created out of cane reeds colored with a natural dye. They were then woven into geometric designs Chitimacha Basketry can be known as a truly handmade basket, because after the cane is gathered, it is split into long strips. The split cane is then peeled with their teeth, or when the basket maker becomes elderly and as no teeth, they grasp the end of the cane under the chin and peel it with their fingers. The cane is dyed again for the designs, the cane is then peeled a second time. Usually, the designs mimic living creatures like black bird eyes, snakes, hearts, turtles, and alligators. The Chitimacha are the only people besides the North Carolina Cherokee to retain these symbols'. The reasons for the exclusive use of red, yellow, and black are lost in time. After the second peeling the cane is then ready to be used in baskets. Cane with joints the farthest apart are chosen purposely in order to give the surface of the basket a smooth appearance.