9781422283561

Native American Cultures

A n engraving of the Mohawk chief Hiawatha, who founded the Iroquois League of Five Nations.

Village Life The Algonquian-speaking nations such as the Delawares in the south of this area relied on farming for their living. But the men of these nations were also hunters, fishermen, warriors, and healers. The women were the farmers and the cooks. Their villages consisted of a central Big House, with their homes scattered around it. Each village also included a sweat house, which was used to cure all kinds of sickness. All Algonquians relied on wild rice in their diets, and they also grew tobacco , which was used during rituals and when socializing. These peoples had an all-powerful god called Manitou. During the summer months they held festivals in Manitou’s honor.

T he Iroquois were famous for their “false face” society. Members of this group were asked to heal the sick, wearing masks like this one which were said to have healing powers.

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