The Choctaw Native American tribe lived most of their life in southwestern America like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida. Their population was about 160,000 people. They lived in settled villages of houses and small corn fields. Choctaws homes were made of plaster and rivercane walls with thatched roofs. They are about as strong and warm as log cabins.
The men in the Choctaw tribe wore breechcloths. The women wore wrap around skirts made from deerskin or fiber. Shirts weren’t necessary but in the winter and in the cooler weather they wore poncho-style capes. They also wore moccasins on their feet. Later they adapted European cloths like cloth jackets and full skirts.
Hunting in the Choctaw nation was done by the men, they hunted deer, wild turkeys, and other small game. Men also caught fish in the rivers, lakes, and sea coasts. Choctaw hunters primarily used bows and arrows. Fishermen generally used fishing spears and nets. The women were farmers they farmed mostly corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers.
Most Choctaw people speak English today. Some people, especially elders, also speak their native Choctaw language. Choctaw is a rhythmic language that is nearly identical to Chickasaw.
They were a part of a group called the Muskogeans. They believed that along with other tribes they emerged from the earth and through a mound called Nanih Waiya in Mississippi. They believed the mans job in the tribe was to hunt and sometimes go to war to protect their families. The women were farmers and took care of the children and cooked. They have many sories about little people. They weave baskets, they are bead workers dancers, and musicians. Toli a lacrosse like stick and ball game was very popular for boy teenagers and young men. Girls usually played guessing games or played with their beaded dolls. Football, swimming and foot races were also a popular pastime among the Choctaw. Most Choctaws were forced to move to Oklahoma in the 1800's along the Trail of Tears. Some of their descendants live in Oklahoma today. Some Choctaws escaped by hiding or pretending to be white, and descendants of these people are still living in the original Choctaw homelands.