The Native American Indians of Texas were as diverse as the State, influenced by the local geography in which they were living. Previous to settling in Texas the Indians migrated from other established cultures in the region. Some scholars believe that some Indians in Texas were offshoots of the Olmec, Mayan and Aztec that were already established in Central Mexico. Other tribes were influenced from the Indians of the Ohio River valley and the southwestern Pueblo Indian culture in the New Mexico region. Texas lying in the middle of the continent felt the influences from all Indian cultures surrounding the state and offered a wide array of opportunities for survival.
             The first Texans dressed themselves in animal skins and simple coverings of woven plants fibers. The footwear worn by prehistoric Texans were made from fibers woven into thick platforms and resembled sandals. Some lived in hide covered tepees but for the most part they slept on grass mats in a lean-to covered with tall grass. Their migration patterns were influenced by the weather and food was only difficult to find during a drought or late freeze. The Indians rarely went without food because of the abundance of resources. They took small animals like rabbits and squirrels in traps, nets or by throwing a boomerang type stick to strike down the animal. Larger game like deer and buffalo were hunted with spears that were mostly thrown at the animals. Others gathered pecans, plants and acorns to supplement the protein diet. When near a lake or ocean the fished and while in the desert type areas the caught lizards and ate cactus fruit.
             The social structure of the Texas Indians is similar to that of other areas. The men hunted for food and protected the group from harm while they traveled. The women were responsible for tending the fire, caring for the children, made clothing and packed and unpacked the camp. They used dogs, the only animal they domesticat...