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This branch of the Wichita tribe traveled from Oklahoma into Texas and settled in Northeast Texas near the upper Sabine River. The Indian word "Tawakoni" means "neck of land in the water".
Appearance
The Takonis were known as the "tattooed people" since their faces and
bodies were decorated with many colorful tattoos. Their hair was
worn long and either hung loosely or braided.
Clothing
The Tawakoni men wore buffalo skin breechcloths and left their chests
uncovered. Moccasins of buffalo hide or deer skin were worn.
Women wore only short skirts with their tattoos covering their upper bodies
the way a blouse would.
Dwellings
Tawakoni houses were grass-covered, dome-shaped lodges that appeared,
from a distant, to resemble giant haystacks. Inside the dwelling
beds were place on elevated platforms with derr and buffalo skins used
as blankets.
Food
The Tawakonis were successful buffalo hunters and farmers. They
grew corn, beans and squash as well as melons, tobacco and pumpkins.
Both men and women tended and worked in the gardens.
Tools
The Tawakonis' main tools were used for tending their farms.
They used bows and arrows to hunt game.
Ceremonies
When major decisions were to be made, a council meeting of all warriors
was called; they smoked the peace pipe to show they would be reasonable
in making the decision. A tipi or grass lodge larger than any family
dwelling was et apart for council meetings. Except during council
meetings, the peace pipe was kept in the home of the Chief.
Customs
The Chief of the tribe was chosen from amonst the bravest warriors
and was usually one of the older men who had show courage in war and hunting.
The End of Culture
The 1990 U.S. census shows only 87 Wichita Indians living in Texas.