Description
The Appalousa (also Opelousa) were an indigenous American people who occupied the area around present-day Opelousas, Louisiana, west of the lower Mississippi River, before European contact in the eighteenth century. At various times in their history, they were associated with the neighboring Atakapa and Chitimacha peoples. The name Appalousa has been thought to have many meanings, but the one most commonly accepted is "Blackleg." The tribe was known for painting or staining their lower legs a dark color. Appalousa and Atakapa tribes originated in the same region in southwest Louisiana.
Language
Opelousa language was Atakapa.
Culture
It is also mentioned that their village had about 40 men, they grew corn and raised cattle and pigs. Because of mineral deposits and the great number of leaves covering the bottom, the waters of the lake appeared black. The Appalousa who hunted and fished in the lake found their legs became stained black from these waters. There is very little known about the practices and religion of the Appalousa tribe. Tribes in Texas used the Appalousa as middlemen in selling horses stolen from the Spanish to the French in New Orleans. Had relations with the Atakapas, Chitimacha, and Avoyel tribes of the surrounding region and acted as a middleman between them in trade.