Prehistoric Times and Woodland Indians

We only know a little about prehistoric people because they lived at a time before history was written down.

The land was open grasslands with many large herbivores due to the cold climate. The climate was cold with large ice sheets called glaciers. The animals included large herds of animals, which caused the Paleo-Indian hunter-gatherers to migrate. Large predators, such as woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers, also roamed the land.

The atatl was a handheld tool used to throw a spear or dart with speed and accuracy.

<p>As the temperature warmed, the glaciers began to melt, which formed new rivers and lakes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most tribes had a ruler called a chief, who was the head of the tribe and led discussions. The chief relied on respect and guidance to lead the people, avoiding abuse of power. Tribes also had councils, which were groups of people who discussed important issues.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Allies agreed to protect each other from enemies and work together.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Most tribes had a peace council and a war council.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Woodland women had rights and power, often helping to make decisions. Women often appointed or removed men who served on councils.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They bartered for goods or used wampums, which are shells of clams, as a form of currency. Wampums were valued for the effort and skill required to make beads.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rivers and streams provided water for drinking, bathing, fishing, and also served as a means of travel and irrigation for crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They moved into temporary homes in the forests.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They lived in wigwams, called witchotts, which were dome-shaped structures built from tree branches and bark with rounded roofs. They also lived in longhouses, long, rectangular structures made from long tree poles and bark, that could house up to 30 families.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Rivers were important for drinking, bathing, fishing, travel, and irrigation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Straight, young trees used to make wigwams are called saplings.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They covered the frame with bark and mats made of grass and reeds.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They would set trees on fire and girdle trees to clear forests so they could plant crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Women and children gathered wild berries and nuts, prepared and cooked food, and preserved food for the winter by drying and storing it underground.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Children watched over and protected the crops. They acted as living scarecrows and participated in planting and harvesting.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>They girdled trees to clear the land for planting crops.</p> Signup and view all the answers

<p>Budding- first signs of new plant growth in spring signifying the start of the growing season. Earring of the corn- when corn plants begin to produce their tassels, indicating the peak of summer. Highest sun - the summer solstice, the day with the longest daylight hours. Gathering of the corn- harvest time, when the corn is ripe and ready to be collected. Cohonk - The sound of migrating geese, signifying the arrival of winter.</p> Signup and view all the answers