Description
The Yufera were a Timucua people located in the present day US state of Georgia. They spoke a distinct dialect of Timucua. Little is known about the Yufera. They lived on or near the coast of Georgia near the mouths of the Satilla (called Iranaca by the Timucua) and St Marys Rivers. They likely participated in the Savannah or St Johns archaeological cultures. In 1560, French explorer Rene de Laudonniere encountered the Yufera who were currently being ruled by Queen Cubicani following the death of her husband King Hioacaia.
Language
Itafi dialect of Timucua.
Culture
They planted food crops such as maize (corn), beans, squash and other vegetables. They also cultivated tobacco and their crops were stored in granaries to protect them from vermin and the elements. Corn was ground into flour and used to make corn fritters. In addition to agriculture, the Timucua men would hunt game (including alligators, manatees, and maybe even whales); fish in the many streams and lakes in the area; and collect freshwater and marine shellfish. The women gathered wild fruits, palm berries, acorns, and nuts; and baked bread made from the root koonti. Meat was cooked by boiling or over an open fire known as the barbacoa, the origin of the word barbecue.