Catawba Indians: morphology, genetics, and history

The Catawba Indians of South Carolina appear to be descendants of the once flourishing Siouan tribe now admixed primarily with Whites of the area. Study of physical traits and blood types was made in 1962 at the time they terminated reservation status. The data permit comparisions with other populations and an estimation of the genetic contribution of presumed parental populations to the hybrid. Skeletal remains of Siouan Indians from archeological sites in the area provide a basis for morphological comparisons. Similar ties of the Catawba to the Indian Knoll people of Kentucky and to the Occaneechi people of early historic times are noted. Results of blood typings of these ancient bones also enable some tentative serological comparisons with the present day Catawba Indians. Certain unusual factors in the history of the present population have affected their isolation and admixture, and this interaction of culture and biology is explored.