Archaeological discoveries

What art did the karankawas make?

Karankawa artists created a variety of art forms including, basketry, pottery, sculpture, and painting.

Basketry

The Karankawas were skilled basket makers. They used natural fibers such as yucca, bear grass, and Spanish moss to create a variety of baskets, including openwork baskets, twined baskets, and coiled baskets. These baskets were used for storage, cooking, and transportation.

Pottery

The Karankawas also made pottery. They used clay from the river banks and fired it in open fires. Their pottery was typically undecorated, but some pieces were decorated with incised lines or punctations.

Sculpture

The Karankawas created sculptures from a variety of materials, including wood, stone, and bone. Their sculptures were typically small, and they often depicted animals or human figures.

Painting

The Karankawas also painted. They used natural pigments such as charcoal, red ocher, and yellow ocher to create paintings on rocks, caves, and animal hides. Their paintings typically depicted scenes from everyday life, such as hunting, fishing, and dancing.

Karankawa art is a unique and important part of Texas history. It provides a glimpse into the lives and culture of the Karankawa people.