Louisiana’s Early People Chapter 5

Prehistoric Cultures Archaeologists – scientists who study the items left behind by ancient people. Artifacts - an item left behind by ancient people that are studied by archaeologists to determine how they lived. Middens – garbage mound left by prehistoric people So even though the first people did not have written records of their culture, they left behind hints about their lives.

Prehistoric Cultures Paleo Indians are the oldest known Indians in Louisiana. Scientist believe the came to North America from Asia on a land bridge. When these nomads – wanderers reached Louisiana, they found a good hunting area with a dependable source of food. They used primitive spears made from stone to kill animals.

Prehistoric Cultures By the time Meso Indians came about there was no longer a need to follow animals as they migrated. The large animals the Paleo had hunted had died out. Meso Indians were still nomadic but they stayed in one place for longer periods of time. They also modified their hunting weapons for smaller animals by adding a throwing stick. Because they moved less, Meso Indians built more permanent homes. They also built mounds – raised area created by prehistoric people and used for ceremonial and burial purposes.

Prehistoric Cultures The Early Neo Indians would roll clay and shape it into a container to make pottery. They also built villages and lived there seasonally. They improved hunting weapons by create the bow and arrow. The Late Neo Indians villages were located near waterways for travel. They switched from gathering to agriculture. They also built temple mounds on top of their mounds for religious ceremonies.

Historic Indian Tribes The Historic Indian period began when the Europeans came to North America and began keeping written records. When the Europeans came, they brought with them European diseases. Due to the lack of immunity (natural resistance) these diseases brought death to many Indians. This reduced the Indian population by an estimated 80%.

Historic Indian Tribes There were several different tribes living in Louisiana at the time Europeans came. Tribes – a group of people who share a common ancestry, language, name, and way of living. When Europeans first came, the Indians had a very rich culture.

Early Historic Culture The Village: Community life was organized by clans The head of the clan was a chief Membership in the clan was passed through the mother. Children were raised under the care of all the adults. The mother’s brother was in charge of discipline not the father. Children’s play imitated adult work but children were not expected to work until age 10.

Early Historic Culture Clothing: Clothing was made from whatever materials were available. Usually animal skins. Men wore breechcloths held at the waist with a belt. Women wore skirts Children typically went without clothing during the summer For formal occasions such as ceremonies, they wore feather capes made from turkey or duck feathers. Tattooing and piercing were common. Sometimes tattoos represented clan membership.

Early Historic Culture Work: For work they hunted, fished, and farmed. The men worked together to clear land and build houses They also made boats called Pirogues Women worked together to make weave baskets, pottery, and craft other utensils. They would also when they needed something they couldn’t make.

Early Historic Culture Shelter: They built their homes using whatever materials were available. The houses had no windows but would have a door that faced the east for good luck. The Caddo built rectangular log houses and used clay and deer hide to fill the cracks and keep the house warm. The Choctaw built simple wood frames and covered them with leaves and a moss-clay mixture

Early Historic Culture Food: Acorns, hickory nuts, mayhaw, blackberries, and may other plants to eat. They also traded with Mexico for corn, beans, and squash. They also hunted deer, bison and bear. They also fished.

Early Historic Culture Religion: They believed everything in the world had a place as part of the whole. They focused on keeping harmony and balance. Many worshiped the Sun and believed it had powers Religious ceremonies would often be focused around a harvest season. They would tell stories using dances They also practiced sacrificing.

Early Historic Culture Government: The War Chief and a peace chief usually led the tribe. The War Chief was the military leader The Peace Chief handled tribal matters. Some chiefs inherited their positions while others were selected usually by tribal elders.