Native American Cultures 1491-1607

Flashcards covering the cultural characteristics, geographic regions, and lifestyles of Native American tribes between $$1491$$ and $$1607$$.

Diversity of Native Americans

The presence of $156$ distinct ethnic groups across the present-day U.S. prior to and during European contact.

Arctic Culture Group

Indigenous populations such as the Eskimo and Inuit who relied on hunting, gathering, and fishing, including hunting seals for meat.

Plains Indians

Tribal groups such as the Sioux, Comanche, and Wichita who were migratory bison hunters living in teepees.

Introduction of Horses

A significant cultural shift for Plains Indians where horses were introduced from Europe, aiding their migratory and hunting lifestyle.

Northeast / Great Lakes Culture Group

Indigenous populations like the Iroquois and Algonquin who practiced hunting, gathering, and slash and burn agriculture.

Three Sisters

The agricultural combination of Corn, Squash, and Beans grown by tribes in the Northeast and Great Lakes regions.

Longhouses

Traditional dwellings used by the Iroquois in the Northeast / Great Lakes region.

Southwest Culture Group

Indigenous populations like the Hopi and Pueblo who lived in clay houses or cliff dwellings and practiced Maize (Corn) agriculture.

Southeast Culture Group

Indigenous populations such as the Cherokee and Creek who lived in settled communities and practiced agriculture.

Mississippian Culture

A Southeast culture known for creating large earthworks like the Cahokia Mounds located outside St. Louis.

Wichita Tribe

A specific tribal group noted for engaging in both agriculture and trade.

Gender Roles in Native American Societies

A social structure where women generally shared in labor, with the exception of hunting.

Iroquois League

A confederacy formed around $1720$ consisting of the Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, Mohawk, and Tuscarora tribes.

Slash and Burn

An agricultural technique used in the Northeast / Great Lakes region involving the cutting and burning of plants in a forest or woodland to create a field.

Cliff Dwellings

Architectural structures such as the Cliff Palace at Mesa Verde National Park used by Southwest indigenous groups.

Columbus's Religious Generalization

A misconception by Christopher Columbus who believed Native Americans had no religion because they lacked priests or churches.