Prehistoric Times and Woodland Indians

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Questions and Answers

Why don't we know much about the people who lived during prehistoric times?

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

Describe the land, climate, and animals during the Paleo-Indian period.

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.

What tool helped the Paleo-Indians hunt more efficiently?

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

What happened to the glaciers as the climate in North America changed?

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

How did the Woodland Indians govern themselves?

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. Signup and view all the answers

What do allies agree to do for each other?

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

What two types of councils did most tribes have?

Most tribes had a peace council and a war council. Signup and view all the answers

What were women's roles in Woodland tribes?

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

How did Woodland people get the items they needed or wanted?

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. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Woodland Indians build their villages by rivers or streams?

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

What did Woodland Indians do during hunting season to be closer to the animals?

They moved into temporary homes in the forests. Signup and view all the answers

What types of homes did the Woodland Indians live in?

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. Signup and view all the answers

Why were rivers important to the Woodland Indians?

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

What are the straight, young trees called that are used to make a wigwam?

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

What did the Indians use to cover the frame of their wigwams?

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

What were two ways the Woodland Indians cleared forests?

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

What role did the women and children have when it came to food?

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

What important job did children have when it came to crops?

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

Why did Woodland Indians girdle trees?

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

What are the seasons of the Woodland Indians?

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. Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Why do we know little about prehistoric people?

Prehistoric people lived before written records existed, making it difficult to learn about their lives.

What was the landscape like during the Paleo-Indian period?

The Paleo-Indian period had open grasslands with many large herbivores, due to the cold climate.

What was the climate like during the Paleo-Indian period?

The Paleo-Indian period had a cold climate with large ice sheets called glaciers.

What kind of animals lived during the Paleo-Indian period?

Large animal herds, like woolly mammoths and saber-toothed tigers, lived during the Paleo-Indian period.