Tiou
The Tiou were a Native American tribe primarily located along the Yazoo River in Mississippi. They were horticulturalists, relying heavily on the cultivation of maize, beans, squash, and other plants, supplemented by hunting and gathering activities performed by both men and women. Historically, the Tiou lived in several permanent villages and maintained peaceful relations with neighboring tribes. The earliest recorded mention of the Tiou dates back to 1697, highlighting their presence in two significant villages along the Tunica River. However, their population faced severe decline due to the introduction of diseases brought by Europeans, alongside conflicts with the Chickasaw, which led to displacement. By 1699, many survivors of the Tiou tribe began merging with the Natchez and other groups, resulting in fragmentation. Over time, some Tiou individuals remained along the Yazoo River, while others were absorbed by the Bayogoula and Acolapissa tribes. By 1731, the Tiou population was likely decimated due to conflicts with the Quapaw, marking a tragic decline in their cultural identity and presence.
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Tiou
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Southeast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Tunica
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Yazoo River, Mississippi
Little is known of the traditional culture of the Tiou except that they lived in several permanent villages and had established peaceful relations with neighboring groups. Being horticulturalists, they were largely dependent upon their maize, beans, squash, and other cultivated plants. These foods were supplemented by hunting and trapping. When not farming, women gathered roots, nuts, and a variety of seeds.
The first mention of the Tiou was probably made in 1697. The Tiou were described as living in two large villages, one above the Tunica and one below. Their population was greatly reduced by introduced diseases, and by 1699 some of the survivors settled among the Natchez after having been driven from their homes by the Chickasaw. The Tiou became fragmented. Some remained on the Yazoo River, while later some were absorbed by the Bayogoula and some by the Acolapissa. By 1731 they probably had been destroyed by the Quapaw.
Bibliography
Barnett, James F., Jr. “Natchez Indians.” Mississippi Encyclopedia, 14 Apr. 2018, mississippiencyclopedia.org/entries/natchez-indians. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
“Native Americans: The Original Mississippians.” Visit Mississippi, visitmississippi.org/experiences/native-americans-the-original-mississippians. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.
“Tiou Indians.” Access Genealogy, accessgenealogy.com/mississippi/tiou-indians.htm. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.