Prehistoric People and Woodland Indians

Prehistoric People and the Woodland Indians

• Limited knowledge of prehistoric people: Prehistoric people lived before written history, making detailed information scarce.

Paleo-Indian Period

• Environment: Open grasslands, cold climate with glaciers, large herbivores.
• Animals: Large herds of herbivores, predators like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers.
• Hunting tools: The atlatl, a handheld tool for accurate and speedy spear/dart throwing, enhanced hunting efficiency.
• Climate change: Melting glaciers created new rivers and lakes.

Woodland Indians

• Political structure: Tribes were governed by a chief, respected for guidance, and assisted by councils.
• Alliances: Allies agreed to mutual protection and cooperation.
• Council types: Peace councils and war councils were common in most Woodland tribes.
• Women's roles: Women had influence in decision-making, sometimes even appointing or removing council members.
• Trade and economy: Trade used bartering and wampum (clam shell beads) as a valuable form of currency.

Woodland lifestyle

• Settlement locations: Villages were situated near rivers and streams for water access, travel, and fishing.
• Temporary dwellings: During hunting seasons, temporary shelters were set up in forests for closer access to animals.
• Permanent homes: Woodland Indians lived in wigwams (rounded, bark-covered shelters) or longhouses (extended structures that housed multiple families, also called witchotts).
• Land clearing: Clearing land was accomplished through controlled burning and girdling trees.
• Food: Women and children gathered wild berries and nuts, prepared food, and preserved harvests for winter. Children also supported crop care.
• Importance of rivers: Rivers provided water, fishing opportunities, and transportation.

Woodland details

• Wigwam construction: Saplings, bark, and grass/reed mats made up wigwam structures.
• Crop care: Children actively guarded and planted crops as part of sustaining food supplies.
• Food preservation: Agricultural products were stored for winter using underground storage, keeping them cooler.
• Seasonal cycle: Woodland cultures tracked seasons like budding, earring/peak summer, gathering, and winter's arrival via migratory geese.

Explore the lives of prehistoric people and the Woodland Indians in this quiz. Learn about the Paleo-Indian period, their environment, hunting tools, and the social structures of Woodland tribes. This quiz will test your knowledge of ancient cultures and their practices.