Prehistoric Technology of the Florida Indians

Prehistoric Technology of the Florida Indians. . Post-Archaic Ceramic Cultures (4,000 years ago- A.D. 1750) , Florida Indians began making pottery about 4,000 years ago. There were many regional differences in pottery styles and life-ways. Some people lived in villages and farmed com while others lived along the coast and were primarily fisher-people. People began to build mounds on which they Dred or buried their dead. Indians used large stone blades as knives and spear points. Small sharp arrow points were also used after about 2,000 years ago when the bow and arrow was developed., Bone and antler were used to make a variety of tools and ornaments. Dear leg bones were split to make blanks which were then shaped into pies and points. These were used to make ornamental pins. fishhooks, needles, awls, harpoon points, and other items., Archaic Period (9,500-4.000 years ago) , With the extinction of Pleistocene "megafauna," Florida Indians began to use smaller side-notched points. The "atlatl" or throwing stick was used to propel spears and darts. Stone was also heat- treated so that it was easier to flake into tools during this period. The Archaic is usually divided into three sub-periods, the Early, Middle, and Late. Indians moved into all parts of Florida during the Archaic and began to live in semi-permanent communities., Indians began to make pottery in Florida around 4,000 years ago. Early potters added plant fibers to the clay for strength. Later, sand, grit, crushed limestone, and tiny bits of broken pots were used. Some pots were made solely for food storage and cooking. Other fancy pots were created for special occasions such as a ceremony or funeral. Pots were also decorated in many ways. Patterns were incised or stamped onto the outside of the vessel before firing. Potters also used cordage, scallop shells, hollow reeds, and even their fingernails to create designs. Some pots were painted or had a slip applied to add color., Paleoindian Period (circa 12,000-9.500 years ago) , The first Native Americans are called Paleoindians. Paleoindians first appeared in Florida around 12,000 years ago and hunted extinct animals such as mammoth, horse, camel, bison, sloth, tapir, and land tortoise. They also relied on deer, fish, turtles, shellfish, and plants for food. Paleoindians lived around spring- fed rivers because Florida was much drier than it is to day. They used large lanceolate points or blades, smaller dart tips, and a variety of stone knives and scrapers. Paleoindians also fashioned shafts from mammoth ivory onto which they attached spear points., Shell was used to make many objects. Large marine shells were used to make cups and dippers, net weights, fishing sinkers, and ornaments. Woodworking tools were made such as chisels, adzas, hammers, and cutting-edged implements similar to exes. In South Florida, where chert is rare, shell was especially important.