Who Were the Calusa People?

During the 1500's, the Europeans had already assimilated many tribes and peoples into their own regional culture. However, there was groups living along the Caloosahatchie River and the coast, south of Tampa Bay, that became known as the Calusa, or Caloosa.

Interestingly enough, if we travel to Marco Island, you can see a long chain of shell islands built up and connected by canals. This was the site of a typical Calusa village. When the site was originally discovered, intricately decorated wooden masks were found along the water and in the village.

So what do we know about the Caloosa?

The Calusa had an established religion and practiced human sacrifice, and many temples were found built upon mounds. They believed that people had three souls-in a person's eye, shadow, and their reflection in the water.

The Legend of the Calusa

Many people believe that the Calusa made a trip to Cuba in their canoes and traded with the Mayans. In addition, it was evident that they had experience with the Europeans before Ponce De Leon arrived in  1513. In fact, the Spanish were never able to missionize them as they done with the other Florida Natives.

Could it be that the Europeans had reached Florida before this? Is it possible that the Knights Templar came to America to hide certain artifacts as some believe and they had some connection with the Calusa?

Also check out:

• Chan Chan: The Largest Adobe City in the Pre Columbian Americas
• The Cro Magnon Religion 
• The Hawaiian Hula Dance
• Tucume: The Adobe Pyramids Predating the Incas 
• The Spear Masters Of The Dinka Tribe 

What do you make of all this?

Picture Sources