Overview: The Mythical Troglodytes in Hollywood

Today, many movies depict American Indian tribes with exaggerated or misleading portrayals of their cultural practices and lifestyles. One such example is the film 'Bone Tomahawk,' where the term 'troglodytes' is used to describe a group of cave-dwelling warriors. However, the historical reality of American Indian tribes is quite different from this cinematic depiction. In this article, we will explore the authenticity of the concept of 'troglodytes' in the context of American Indian tribes, addressing common misconceptions and examining the true historical backgrounds of these indigenous communities.

Historical Reality of American Indian Cave Dwellers

In reality, several American Indian tribes utilized caves as both shelters and cultural landmarks, but these caves played a limited role in their daily lives and were often part of a larger, more complex societal structure. For example, the Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, built cliff dwellings in the Southwestern United States. These cliff dwellings were well-engineered communities with sophisticated water management systems and intricate architectural designs. Similarly, the Hohokam civilization, which inhabited parts of present-day Arizona, built extensive irrigation systems and utilized caves for various purposes.

While some tribes in the Great Plains and Northeast did use caves for temporary refuge or storage, these practices were not indicative of a broader cultural norm. The idea of entire tribes living in caves, as depicted in 'Bone Tomahawk,' is highly misleading and does not align with historical records and archaeological findings.

The Misuse of the Term 'Troglodytes'

The term 'troglodyte' is often used to refer to cave dwellers, but this usage is not entirely accurate in the context of American Indian tribes. The word 'troglodyte' typically describes someone who lives in a cave or rock shelter. However, American tribes were not characterized primarily by their use of rock shelters; they instead had rich and varied cultural practices.

Modern cave systems and artificial underground settlements are well-documented in regions such as Anatolia, the Crimean Peninsula, and around the Black Sea. The term 'troglodyte' in the context of 'Bone Tomahawk' seems to be a conflation of various American Indian legends, such as the skin walkers of the Southwest, and modern twentieth-century depictions of men keeping women in secret cellars. This amalgamation creates a narrative that is both gruesome and historically inaccurate.

Historical Context and Cultural Practices

The portrayal of the 'troglodytes' in 'Bone Tomahawk' depicts them as isolated and using a Stone Age tool kit, thousands of years out of date. This characterization is further exaggerated by their being racially different from other indigenous peoples in the Southwestern United States, hinting at a pre-Beringia migration. This depiction skirts the reality of these indigenous communities, which were highly integrated into their environments and had rich cultural practices.

In reality, the concept of pre-Beringia migration is a complex and debated topic. Genetic and archaeological evidence suggests that most North American indigenous populations are descended from migrations that crossed the Bering Strait, with some isolated groups having unique genetic markers. The portrayal in 'Bone Tomahawk' is thus a misleading and inaccurate depiction of indigenous peoples.

Moreover, the idea of a small, weak, and isolated group of troglodytes being untouched by other tribes is also historically inaccurate. American tribes were known for their complex social organizations and often engaged in interactions with neighboring groups, including warfare and trade. A band of troglodytes, as depicted in the film, would not have been left to thrive in isolation for extended periods. The notion that local tribes would have put up with the existence of these troglodytes for long periods without confronting them is also counterintuitive, as the film suggests such confrontations would have been a standard human response to such groups.

Cultural Practices and Weaponry in War

The depiction of combat in 'Bone Tomahawk' is also problematic. The troglodytes are shown using Stone Age tools, which is anachronistic. In reality, American Indian tribes in the Southwestern United States, as well as other regions, were familiar with and often preferred more advanced weapons such as bows and arrows, as well as other metal tools and weapons. Bones, stones, and metal were commonly utilized, and the tomahawk itself is an artifact that evolved over time and was sometimes made of metal.

The film's depiction of the troglodytes as a stone-age group contrasts sharply with the historical context of Native American warfare. The idea that Native American tribes would be unable to defend themselves against such an outmoded tool kit is unrealistic. These tribes were skilled in hunting and warfare, and the use of weapons like the tomahawk and knife would not have intimidated them at all, especially given their own experience with similar tools.

Conclusion

The film 'Bone Tomahawk' and its use of the term 'troglodytes' provide an exaggerated and misleading portrayal of American Indian tribes. Historical evidence and cultural practices of these indigenous communities show a rich and diverse civilization far removed from the fictional depiction in the movie. It is crucial to approach such depictions with skepticism and a critical eye, recognizing the importance of accurate historical representation in media and popular culture.