Mayeye facts for kids
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| extinct as a tribe since early 19th century | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| United States (Texas) | |
| Languages | |
| Tonkawa language | |
| Religion | |
| Indigenous religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Tonkawa, Karankawa |
The Mayeye were a group of Native American people. They spoke a language similar to the Tonkawa language. The Mayeye lived in what is now southeastern Texas. Over time, many Mayeye people joined other groups. Those near the coast likely became part of Karankawa communities. Others living inland probably joined larger Tonkawa groups.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The Mayeye people's name was spelled in many ways. You might see it written as Macheye, Maheye, or Maieye. Other spellings included Malleye, Maye, Meghay, and Muleye.
History of the Mayeye People
Where the Mayeye Lived
The Mayeye people made their homes in eastern Texas. They lived near the Brazos River. This area was known as the Rancheria Grande. By the 1830s, some Mayeye lived at Mission San Antonio de Valero. This was a Spanish mission. However, some Mayeye left the mission. They went back to their homes near the Brazos River. The missionaries did not want them to leave.
Life at the Missions
The Mayeye people who were baptized did not like being far from their families. These families were not living at the mission. Still, the Mayeye saw some good things about the mission system. In 1745, the Mayeye and other groups wanted a Spanish mission. They hoped a mission in their land would help them. It could give them a military edge against the Lipan Apaches.
The Mayeye were very eager to join the San Gabriel River missions. They settled there in 1748. In 1749, 63 Mayeye lived at the mission. But many more Mayeye people lived outside the missions. A Spanish official counted many Mayeye in Texas between 1766 and 1768.
Joining Other Groups
The San Gabriel valley missions closed in the early 1750s. Some Mayeye moved back to Mission San Antonio de Valero. People were still called Mayeye there until the 1760s.
In the 1770s, some Mayeye moved to the coast. They joined the Coco people. The Coco were a Karankawa tribe. As late as 1805, Mayeye were seen near the Guadalupe River. After this time, the Mayeye tribe disappeared. They likely joined other Tonkawa groups. Some merged with coastal Karankawa groups. Others became part of the Spanish mission system.
