Choctaw

The Choctaw are an Indigenous people of the Southeastern Woodlands in the United States.

Historically, their lands included parts of modern-day Mississippi, Alabama, and Louisiana. Today, Choctaw descendants belong to several federally recognized tribes. These include the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, and the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. The Yowani Choctaw are also recognized as a people within the Caddo Nation. The Choctaw people use the autonym Chahta to refer to themselves. The name "Choctaw" is simply an anglicized spelling of this word.

There are different theories about the origin of the name Chahta. Anthropologist John R. Swanton suggested the name came from an early leader named Chahta. Another theory by Henry S. Halbert suggests it comes from the phrase "hvcha hattak." This phrase means "people of the river." This likely refers to early Choctaw towns located along the Tombigbee River. The Choctaw language is part of the Western Muskogean language family. It is very closely related to the Chickasaw language. Some linguists believe Choctaw and Chickasaw were once dialects of a single language. This idea is supported by origin traditions from both peoples.

The written Choctaw language uses the Roman alphabet. This system was developed in the early 19th century. It was created during the United States government's "civilization program." Missionary Cyrus Byington published a Choctaw dictionary in 1870. His work was titled "Grammar of the Choctaw Language." Later, historians like Henry S. Halbert and John R. Swanton contributed to revised editions. Although language use declined during the 20th century, it remains a living language. It is spoken daily on the Mississippi Choctaw reservation. The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma also offers courses to help preserve it.

Choctaw culture includes many distinct traditions like song, dance, and pottery.

They are also known for basketry, beading, and stickball. Traditional religion was tied to the Southeastern Ceremonial Complex. The Choctaw held deep reverence for the sun, or Hvshtahli. They believed the sun was a living being that watched the earth. They even called the sun "nanpisa," which means "the one who sees." Because they valued the sun, diplomats only held meetings on sunny days. They would postpone meetings if it was cloudy or rainy. This showed their respect for the sun as a symbol of honesty.

Social life was organized through a matrilineal kinship system. This means children belong to their mother's iksa, or clan. In this system, the mother's brother often acted as a father figure. The Choctaw also organized themselves into two primary moieties. These were the Imoklashas, which were the elders, and the Inhulalatas, which were the youth. A sacred place for the people is Nanih Waiya. This is a large earthwork platform mound in Mississippi. It is known as the "Mother Mound" and is a site for female pilgrimage.

Indigenous games played by the Choctaw were very important. Stickball is considered the oldest field sport in North America. It was often called the "little brother of war." This is because it provided a non-lethal way to resolve community disputes. A single game could involve between 20 and 300 players. The goal posts could be located several miles apart. Another game was called Chunkey. Players rolled a stone disk, about 1 to 2 inches in diameter, down a corridor. They would then throw wooden shafts to try and hit the disk.

Choctaw history is marked by both hardship and great generosity. After the Trail of Tears, the people were forced from their lands. They eventually reorganized their political districts in Indian Territory. They named these districts after leaders like Moshulatubbee, Apuckshunubbee, and Pushmataha. The Choctaw were also known for their communal economy. They shared harvests and helped those in need. In the mid-19th century, they sent aid to Ireland during the Great Famine. This act of kindness is commemorated by a sculpture in Ireland.