Duhare – Irish Indians in South Carolina? – Legends of America

The annals of early American exploration are filled with intriguing tales, encounters with diverse cultures, and mysteries that continue to captivate historians and researchers. Among these enigmatic narratives is the story of the Duhare, a tribe encountered by Spanish explorers in the early 16th century in the region of present-day South Carolina and Georgia. What makes the Duhare particularly fascinating is their unique characteristics, which set them apart from other Native American groups in the area, leading to speculation about their possible origins and connections to the Old World.

The Enigmatic Duhare: A Glimpse into Their Culture

The Duhare people, who are believed to be predecessors of the Creek Indian tribe, resided in close proximity to the Chicora people. However, descriptions of the Duhare paint a picture of a group strikingly different from their Native American neighbors. According to historical accounts, the Duhare possessed Caucasian features, often described as having red or brown hair that flowed down to their heels, fair skin adorned with freckles, and piercing gray eyes. Furthermore, they were noted to be significantly taller than other native populations in the region. Adding to their distinct appearance, many of the men sported mustaches, and the leaders of the tribe proudly wore beards.

Beyond their physical attributes, the Duhare exhibited unique cultural practices that further distinguished them from other Native American tribes. One of the most remarkable aspects of their culture was their practice of herding domesticated deer. In a manner reminiscent of European cattle herding, the Duhare utilized herd dogs to manage their deer, milking them and crafting cheese from their milk. The male deer, not needed for breeding, were fattened with corn before being butchered for their meat. The deer were kept in corrals at night but allowed to roam freely during the day under the watchful eyes of herders.

In addition to their deer-herding practices, the Duhare were skilled farmers who cultivated a variety of crops. They grew large quantities of Indian corn, grains, potatoes, and other vegetables that were native to the New World. They also raised chickens, ducks, geese, and other fowl, indicating a diverse and well-developed agricultural system. Intriguingly, the Duhare were also said to possess some metal tools, suggesting exposure to or acquisition of European technology.

The Duhare society was governed by a chief named Datha, who was described as a gigantic figure, with a wife who matched his impressive stature. In a display of power and authority, the chief was carried on the shoulders of strong young men, rather than riding horses. The chief was adorned with brightly colored paint or tattoos, further emphasizing his status. The chief and his wife resided in a stone palace, a testament to their advanced societal structure.

Despite these unique characteristics, the Duhare also shared some similarities with other Native American tribes, particularly in aspects such as their houses and pottery, indicating a blend of cultural influences.

Encounters with Spanish Explorers: First Contact

The first documented encounter between the Duhare and Europeans occurred in 1521, when Captain Francisco Gordillo, a Spanish explorer, and Pedro de Quejo, a Spanish slaver, arrived in the region. Gordillo had been sent northward from Hispaniola in the Caribbean by Lucas Vasquez de Allyon to explore the American mainland. Along the way, Gordillo joined forces with Quejo, and together they became the first known Spaniards to navigate the coasts of Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Upon arriving in present-day South Carolina, the Spanish initially engaged in friendly interactions with the Duhare people. However, their intentions soon turned sinister, as they captured 70-80 natives of the Chicora tribe as slaves.

Upon their return to the Caribbean, the Spanish recounted their encounter with the Duhare, which was documented by Peter Martyr d’Anghiera, an Italian historian in the service of Spain, who chronicled the explorers’ activities. Martyr d’Anghiera noted that the Duhare were significantly taller than the Spanish and possessed a more advanced society compared to other native groups. Further documentation reveals that when Spanish explorer Lucas Vazquez de Ayllon landed in modern-day South Carolina in 1526, he observed the Duhare in possession of pyrotechnic devices, including sparklers and rockets. He also noted that the Duhare divided their year into twelve moons.

The Irish Connection: A Controversial Theory

The unique characteristics of the Duhare, particularly their physical appearance and cultural practices, have led some researchers to propose a controversial theory: that the Duhare may have been of Irish origin. This theory is based on several factors, including their physical resemblance to Europeans, their deer-herding practices, and linguistic connections.

One of the most compelling pieces of evidence supporting the Irish connection is the Duhare’s practice of herding domesticated deer. While it may seem unusual, it is known that several Gaelic tribes in Ireland and Scotland domesticated dairy deer before the introduction of dairy cows. Deer milk was even celebrated in Gaelic poetry.

Furthermore, linguistic analysis has revealed potential connections between the Duhare language and Gaelic. In Gaelic dictionaries, the word "Duhare" can be translated in two ways: as "di-hAicher," meaning "place of the Clan Hare," or as "du’hEir," meaning "place of the Irish." Additionally, the word "Datha," the name of the Duhare chief, is a Medieval Irish Gaelic word that means "painted."

The Vikings, who are known to have explored North America long before Christopher Columbus, described the Irish as skilled seamen who traveled extensively, reaching as far as Iceland in the 10th century. The Vikings also claimed that the Irish occupied an area south of the Chesapeake Bay called Hvitramamaland, meaning "Land of the White Men."

The New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia and other sources suggest that the Irish may have been the first white men to arrive in the Americas, centuries before Columbus. The Encyclopedia also mentions that the Shawano Indians recognized a white tribe in Florida that possessed iron implements. The Duhare were also said to have metal tools, even though the nearest deposits of iron and copper ores were located 280 miles away from the coast. While this does not definitively prove an Irish connection, it suggests European influence.

Counterarguments and Skepticism: Alternative Explanations

Despite the compelling evidence presented by proponents of the Irish connection theory, many researchers and historians remain skeptical, offering alternative explanations for the Duhare’s unique characteristics.

In 1983, Dr. Barry Fell, a professor emeritus at Harvard University, claimed to have discovered writing on rocks in West Virginia, which he interpreted as "Christian messages in old Irish script." These petroglyphs were thought to be carved in Ogam, an Irish script used from the 6th to 8th centuries. Fell suggested that Brendan of Clonfert, one of the "Twelve Apostles of Ireland," may have reached North America centuries before Columbus. However, Fell’s claims were met with criticism and his credibility was questioned.

Years earlier, a 1922 Smithsonian Institution publication referenced Spanish historian Martyr’s passages on the Duhare. However, it prefaced the account with dismissive remarks, suggesting that the story could not be true and that the Duhare were likely a Siouan tribe.

The Spanish descriptions of the Duhare culture seemed so outlandish to scholars unfamiliar with Irish history that they were largely ignored for centuries.

Recent Research and Re-evaluation: A Fresh Perspective

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the Duhare and their possible origins. In 2006, People of One Fire, a nationwide team of Native American scholars, primarily of Creek Indian heritage, initiated a comprehensive research program to gain a more accurate understanding of North America’s pre-European history.

As part of their research, they attempted to translate every Native American word included in the transcripts of colonial powers, particularly those of Spain. While many of these words were easily translated using modern Creek, Alabama, Koasati, or Choctaw dictionaries, words associated with the province of Duhare defied translation until 2011.

However, a check with Gaelic dictionaries quickly yielded translations for many of the Duhare words. Researchers then began to investigate the similarity between Irish rock carvings and those found in South Carolina. One team member discovered an ancient Irish lullaby entitled "Bainne nam fiadh," which translates to "On milk of deer I was reared. On the milk of deer, I was nurtured. On milk of deer beneath the ridge of storms on crest of hill and mountain."

Other Red-Haired Giants in America: A Broader Context

The Duhare people were not the only red-haired giants encountered in America. The Mandan tribe of North and South Dakota told early French explorers about natives in the region with fair skin, red or blonde hair, and blue or grey eyes.

The Paiute of Nevada have long spoken of red-haired giants known as the Si-Te-Cah. Legends from Midwest tribes tell of lightly pigmented, yellow- or red-haired giants living around the Great Lakes or southern Canada.

Red-haired mummies have also been discovered in Michigan, Illinois, New York, Virginia, Arizona, and Nevada, suggesting that the presence of red-haired individuals in North America may have been more widespread than previously thought.

Conclusion: An Enduring Mystery

The story of the Duhare remains an enigma, a puzzle with pieces that don’t quite fit neatly together. While the theory of an Irish connection is intriguing, it is not without its challenges and requires further investigation. The Duhare may have been a unique Native American tribe with distinctive cultural practices and physical characteristics, or they may have been a group with some degree of European ancestry, possibly Irish.

Regardless of their origins, the Duhare serve as a reminder of the complexities and mysteries that lie hidden within the annals of early American history. Their story invites us to question conventional narratives, explore alternative possibilities, and appreciate the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped the American landscape. As research continues and new evidence emerges, perhaps one day the true story of the Duhare will be fully revealed, shedding light on one of the most intriguing mysteries of early America.