What type of food did the caddos eat?

The Caddo people were skilled farmers and hunters, and their diet reflected this. Here's a breakdown of their food sources:

Agriculture:

* Corn: This was a staple, used in various forms like cornmeal, hominy, and roasted ears.

* Beans: Primarily beans, which were a good source of protein.

* Squash: Several varieties of squash, including pumpkins, were cultivated for their edible flesh and seeds.

* Sunflower: The seeds were a source of oil and snack.

* Tobacco: While not consumed for food, it was used in rituals and ceremonies.

Hunting & Gathering:

* Deer: A major source of meat, hunted with bows and arrows.

* Buffalo: While not as common as deer, they were hunted when available.

* Small game: Rabbit, squirrel, and other small animals were also hunted.

* Fish: Fishing was done with nets, spears, and hooks, providing a source of protein.

* Nuts and Berries: Wild nuts, like acorns, pecans, and hickory nuts, along with berries, provided additional sustenance.

Other:

* Wild plants: A variety of wild plants, including roots, tubers, and greens, were foraged and eaten.

* Salt: The Caddo people were known for their salt production, which was a valuable commodity in trade.

Food preparation:

The Caddo cooked their food in various ways, including:

* Boiling: Using earthenware pots over fire.

* Roasting: Over open fires or in pits.

* Grinding: Corn was ground into meal using stone mortars and pestles.

Important Note:

The Caddo people were not a single, monolithic group. They lived in distinct villages and had different traditions and food practices. The information provided here represents a general overview of their diet based on archaeological evidence.