her thing that our society brandishes as being absurd and somewhat “evil” in nature, would be that this tribe did practice human sacrifices and cannibalism. However, this was not for some dark ritual that can not be explained. It was a belief that the only way another tribe or that tribe’s leader could be released into the heavens was through the consumption of what was impure on earth. In the beliefs of the Karankawas, they were rewarded for this sacrifice on their part by becoming bestowed with their conquered enemy’s strength. By drinking the blood of their enemies, they became enlightened on how to survive even longer. Surprisingly, even though, this practice is unhealthy and can lead to the spread of diseases, the Karankawas never recorded a plague in their society. This could be do to their advancements in herbal medicines.This nation was very adept at creating anesthetics from native herbs and plants. One of the most commonly known today would be their primitive usage of the Prickly Ash. This plant contains small amounts of a chemical that would later be introduced to our society as lanocane. A chemical that is very effective for relieving tooth and abrasion pain. They also used local plants such as the Socamwen, which is a plant that contains a natural disinfectant. Of all the local Native American tribes in the surrounding areas, these were above all the most advanced in medical cleanliness. Along with this usage of plants, they gained a great knowledge about they foods around them.The final contribution of this tribe was its heavy trade in food and culture with the surrounding nations. Its main sustenance was the fish it gathered during the fall and spring months. However they also learned to gather berries and local nuts such as the wild raspberry and the lopai – a nut similar to the almond. From their southern neighbors, they learned how to proficiently use corn and made many usef...
