Shakori facts for kids
The Shakori were a group of Native American people who lived in the southeastern part of what is now the United States. They are believed to have been a Siouan-speaking group. The Shakori were close allies with other nearby tribes, like the Eno and the Sissipahaw. Sometimes their name was spelled Shaccoree. This can cause confusion with the Sugaree people, but the Sugaree are part of the Catawba people.
In 1654, a writer named Yardley mentioned the Cacores people. A Tuscarora guide told him about them. The guide said the Cacores were smaller in size and number than the Tuscarora. However, they were good at avoiding them. The Shakori villages were located near what is now Hillsborough, North Carolina. They lived along the Eno River and the Shocco River.
What Was Shakori Culture Like?
We do not know much about the Shakori people. However, when Europeans first met them, they seemed similar to other tribes nearby. They built their homes, called wigwams, using woven saplings and sticks. They covered these structures with mud. Other tribes often used bark for their homes. The Shakori homes were described as being like the traditional houses of the Quapaw people from Arkansas.
In the center of their villages, men often played a game with slinging stones. This game was probably similar to chunkey. Chunkey was a popular game played by tribes further south and west.
What Language Did the Shakori Speak?
The Shakori were connected to other Siouan-speaking tribes in the Piedmont area. These included the Sissipahaw and Eno. It is believed that all these tribes spoke the same Siouan language. Experts have debated if the Shakori, Eno, and Sissipahaw were truly different tribes. Some think they might have been different groups of the same tribe.
This question became less important as their numbers went down. The tribes often merged, meaning they joined together. Even though they joined with other tribes, their Siouan language lasted for a long time. The Eno people still spoke their Siouan dialect as late as 1743. The Shakori and Eno resisted joining the larger Catawba tribe for the longest time.
The History of the Shakori People
We are not sure where the Shakori people originally came from. But they were one of the Siouan-speaking tribes found in the Piedmont region. This area covers parts of several southern states. The Shakori likely joined other tribes to fight against the English colonists. This happened during the Yamasee War. By this time, the Shakori had probably already joined with other tribes. These included groups like the Saponi.
On February 27, 1714, the Virginia colony made an agreement. The remaining groups of the Saponi, Tottero, Occaneechi, Keyauwee, Enoke (or Eno), and Shakori formally joined together. They became known as "The Saponi Nation." Today, some people with Shakori ancestors might be found among the Catawba people and other groups in the region. However, the Shakori no longer exist as a separate tribe.
