Are you interested in learning about Indian artifacts from Florida? Do you want to learn about the artifacts belonging to the Florida Indians? Read our guide for more facts and information…
Indian tribes have resided in Florida for over 12 000 years and according to European records the peak Indian population of the region was around 300 000 persons. The population grew for many years prior to European excursions as during the Ice Age Florida’s climate remained hospitable. Many tribes called Florida home including but not limited to the Acuera, the Apalachee, the Calua, the Creeks, the Jeaga, the Muskogee, and the Seminole. Florida was originally explored by the Spanish and the Indians during this time remained largely undisturbed. Spain however, eventually ceded the colony to England and subsequently the United States where problems for the Indians began to arise. As in many eastern states, the United States legislated the removal of the Indian population westward. Unlike in other regions, however, the forced removal was not entirely effective as by 1842 military action had been attempted but still no conclusive results had been obtained. Today, there are two federally recognized tribes in Florida and many more exist without federal recognition.
Arrowheads
Arrowheads are a common artifact found in Florida. These artifacts are typically constructed of either fossilized Miocene coral or simple stone. The coral artifacts exist in a great variety as the translucent stone spans the color spectrum from white to yellow to orange to blue to black. The arrowheads were handcrafted by the Indian population and each tribe produced its own variation on size and shape. Arrowheads were important as they were utilized not only in hunting for game but also as weaponry in times of war.
Bone Point
Bone points are another tool that has been discovered in Florida. This Indian artifact was designed out of bone and shell. The tool was hand crafted through carving to form the desired shape. The average bone point artifact has been found to be an average of four inches in length. The artifact was kept well polished and is often dark brown in color. Bone points were an important part of Indian culture as the tool was often used in fishing in a similar fashion to a small spear. Bone points were valued as they were relatively simple tools that were incredibly helpful in supplying the population’s diet of fish.
Hand Axe
The hand axe is another Indian artifact that has been unearthed in the state of Florida. The hand axe is another stone artifact and is usually crafted to a size of about five inches by three inches. This stone tool was carved to create a slanted surface and also featured a thicker end that served as the handle. The hand axe was another important tool to the Indian population as it was used in preparing hunted game. It was additionally used by the Florida Indians for general purpose construction and other tasks.
