The notes below are what we came up with in class based on our reading of page "1a. Diversity of Native American Groups."
1a. Diversity of Native American Groups
In the Southwest:
• structures were extremely varied
• "apartment" style
Since 1492 (Columbus), Europeans ignored the diversity of the Indians.
Europeans did—and we still—lump groups under the term "Indian."
All:
• had lands conquered
• suffered on reservations
Language:
Many tribes have totally unrelated languages.
Over 200 North American tribes speak over 200 different languages.
Example: Navajo people used their language in WW II to receive and send high-security messages. It worked.
Lifestyles:
Location--
• domestic (lived in one place; home)
• nomadic (moved around)
Aggression--
• war-monger: most (esp. Apache)
• pacifist: some (like the Hopi)
Rulers--
• men: most
• Iroquois women chose leaders
Housing--
types: WIGWAMS, HOGANS, IGLOOS, TEPEES, and longhouses.
Getting Food--
• hunting and fishing
• farming
Decision-making
• consensus: among the Algonkian chiefs
• just one person: example, the Natchez "Sun”
Totem Poles: not ALL Indians use them; example: Chinook in the Pacific Northwest used them to “ward off evil spirits and represent family history.”
1a. Diversity of Native American Groups
In the Southwest:
• structures were extremely varied
• "apartment" style
Since 1492 (Columbus), Europeans ignored the diversity of the Indians.
Europeans did—and we still—lump groups under the term "Indian."
All:
• had lands conquered
• suffered on reservations
Language:
Many tribes have totally unrelated languages.
Over 200 North American tribes speak over 200 different languages.
Example: Navajo people used their language in WW II to receive and send high-security messages. It worked.
Lifestyles:
Location--
• domestic (lived in one place; home)
• nomadic (moved around)
Aggression--
• war-monger: most (esp. Apache)
• pacifist: some (like the Hopi)
Rulers--
• men: most
• Iroquois women chose leaders
Housing--
types: WIGWAMS, HOGANS, IGLOOS, TEPEES, and longhouses.
Getting Food--
• hunting and fishing
• farming
Decision-making
• consensus: among the Algonkian chiefs
• just one person: example, the Natchez "Sun”
Totem Poles: not ALL Indians use them; example: Chinook in the Pacific Northwest used them to “ward off evil spirits and represent family history.”
On your own, take notes on page 1b: The Anasazi.