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Ais Indian Language (Ays)

The Ais Indians were a tribe of eastern Florida, closely connected with the Tequesta tribe. Their language was never recorded. Some ethnologists have guessed that it may have been related to Calusa, based on stories that people from the two tribes could communicate with each other. Like the Calusa, the Ais were devastated by European diseases. Some of the survivors were probably sent to Cuba with the Calusas and Tequestas, while others may have merged with other Floridian Indians and eventually joined the Seminole tribe.

There was also a Caddoan band in Texas known as "Ais," unrelated to the Florida tribe. You can learn more about the Texan Ais band here.

Alternate spellings that have been used for the Florida Ais have been Ays, Aays, Eyeish, and Ys.

Sponsored Links

Ais Culture and History Links

Maps of Ais Lands

Florida Natives:
Maps showing the location of the Ais and other Florida Indian groups.

Tribes of the Southeast:
Map of Southeastern tribes including the Ais.

Ais Lifestyle and Tradition

Ais Tribe of Florida:

Ais Indians:
Early 20th century articles on the Ais people.

Before The White Man: The Ais:
Article on the Ais tribe, with photos of Ais Indian pottery.

Ais Native American Artifacts:
Ais historical and archaeological information.

Ais Moundbuilders:
Another article on Ais Indian history and lifestyle.

Hunting Techniques of the Ais Indians:
Article about the Ais tribe's unusual method of catching whales.

Ais Indian Village:
Images of Ais style houses.

Four Directions: Ais:
Timeline and links about the Ais tribe.

Ais:
Wikipedia article on the Ais Indians.

Books for sale on the Ais Indians
Our organization earns a commission from any book bought through these links

Native Americans of Florida:
Interesting book on the historical importance of Florida's Indians, including a chapter on the Ais.

Links, References, and Additional Information

Pueblo Ais:

Los Ais:
Information about the Ais and their language in Spanish.

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Back to our Native myths and folklore site
Back to the Southeastern culture group

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