Community Life in Early Native American Culture

Front

How was community life organized in early Native American culture?

Back

Community life was organized around a tribe or clan, headed by a chief or chiefs.

Front

What is a caste system?

Back

A caste system is a class system with several levels.

Front

Which Native American tribe wore more elaborate clothing than the others?

Back

The Natchez tribe wore more elaborate clothing than other tribes.

Front

How was the pirogue constructed and what was it used for?

Back

The pirogue was made from a partially burned cypress log that was scraped out with shells to make a dugout. These boats were used for bayou travel.

Front

What work did women do in early Native American culture?

Back

Women gathered to weave baskets and make pottery or other utensils.

Front

What were most houses made from in early Native American culture?

Back

Most houses were made from available material and adapted to the climate.

Front

What was bear oil used for?

Back

Bear oil was valuable for cooking and was often traded.

Front

What was the purpose of religious activities in early Native American culture?

Back

Preserving balance and harmony was the purpose of religious activities.

Front

What types of chiefs did tribes have and how were responsibilities divided?

Back

The tribes had a war chief and a peace chief. The peace chief was responsible for normal day-to-day activities and acted as judge for wrongdoings. The war chief was the military leader.

Front

What is a calumet and what does it represent?

Back

A calumet is a peace pipe and was an agreement to avoid war.