Georgia’s Early Native Tribes and Civilizations

Georgia’s Prehistoric Time Periods Paleo–Indian Period (10,000 – 8,000 B.C.E) Archaic Period (8,000 – 1,000 B.C.E.) Early: 8,000 - 5,000 B.C.E. Middle: 5,000 - 4,000 B.C.E. Late: 4,000 – 1,000 B.C.E. Woodland Period (1,000 B.C.E - 1,000 C.E.) Mississippian Period (1,000 – 1,600 C.E.)

Paleo-Indian Period They were Hunter/Gatherers Their diet mainly consisted of giant bison, mastodons, giant sloths, small animals, nuts, and wild fruit and vegetables. They used animal bones and skins to make weapons, clothing and shelter Also used stones to make tools and spears. Paleolithic = Old Stone Age Also invented and used the Atlatl – a tool to throw spears farther

Clovis Points & Atlatl

Paleo-Indian Period (cont.) These natives were nomads; they had to constantly move from place to place, and lived in bands (groups) of 25-50 people They lived in tents/shelters made from animal skins Because they moved so much to follow their food, there are not many artifacts left in any one place. They buried their dead Their life span (how long you live) was around 30 to 40 years. Why?

Archaic Period Large game animals became extinct, so the Archaic people began to depend on a combination of hunting, gathering, and fishing. Deer, bear, rabbits, fish, oysters, reptiles, berries, and fruits. Discovered horticulture in the Late Period The science of cultivating plants & trees Archaic Indians were nomads, but traveled less than Paleo-Indians. They moved each season to follow food sources Small groups joined to establish camps

Oyster shells or Midden near Augusta Archaic Period (cont.) The Archaic people still used the tools of the Paleo, but their tools also included: choppers, drills, and chipping tools from deer antlers; hooks from animal bones, and a grooved axe made from sticks & stones Created pottery from moss, grass, and roots Used to store, cook, and serve food Possibly believed in an afterlife (religion). Buried their dead with items that were important in life. Oyster shells or Midden near Augusta

Woodland Period Part of the Neolithic Period Neolithic = New Stone Age. Due to the creation of the bow and arrow, the Woodland people were hunters Agriculture developed during this period Grew squash, wild greens, and sunflowers The development of agriculture caused the development of Tribes They built dome-shaped huts from small trees

Woodland Period (cont.) The Woodland Indians built mounds, made of earth and stone The mounds contained jewelry, pottery, and other important items The mounds were used for religious ceremonies & burial purposes. It is believed that this group was very religious

Mississippian Period Part of the Neolithic Period The Natives lived near rivers and grew most of their food (agriculture) Grew maize (corn), beans, pumpkins, squash Also hunted and fished Tools – they used tools of the earlier periods but they invented farming tools as well. Lived in large villages with mounds. Protected by moats & palisades (wooden fences) Had a “government” led by a Chief

Mississippian Period (cont.) Mounds were created for religious purposes to bury the dead and store ceremonial items with the dead Mounds built near the Etowah River (Cartersville), and the Ocmulgee River in south Georgia

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