(947) USU HIST1700 Lesson 2 Part 1 Pre Contact

Lesson Overview

Topic: Pre-contact societies in North America

Central Question:

How did indigenous populations differ from one another in the pre-contact period?

Key Terms

• Indigenous: Refers to the original populations of North America prior to European contact, often used interchangeably with "Native American." This term emphasizes the cultural and historical significance of these groups, who have lived in these territories for thousands of years, developing unique languages, social structures, and spiritual practices.

• Pre-contact: The time period before European exploration and colonization, most commonly marked by Columbus's 1492 voyage, but with evidence of earlier Norse contact, particularly around the late 10th century. This period encompasses a diversity of societies developed across the continent, ranging from nomadic tribes to advanced agricultural civilizations.

Understanding Historical Time

Timeline Labels:

• BC (Before Christ): A notation used to represent years before the traditional date assigned to the birth of Jesus Christ.

• AD (Anno Domini): Latin for "Year of Our Lord," referring to years following the recognized year of Christ's birth.

• BCE (Before Common Era): A secular term equivalent to BC, emphasizing neutral terminology.

• CE (Common Era): A secular term equivalent to AD, focusing on inclusivity across different cultures.

Timeline Explanation:

Years move backward with higher numbers in BC/BCE and forward in time with higher numbers in AD/CE. There is no year zero, with the next year after 1 BC being AD 1, which establishes the traditional view of historical progression based on significant religious and cultural events.

Migration Theories

Land Bridge Theory:

The Land Bridge Theory posits that a land connection once existed between Asia (which is in modern Russia) and North America (in present-day Alaska) during the last Ice Age, approximately 15,000 years ago. During this time, lower sea levels allowed early humans to migrate in search of food and resources.

• Archaeological evidence, including ancient tools and mitochondrial DNA studies, supports this migration theory, showing genetic connections between contemporary Native Americans and ancient East Asian populations. This supports the idea of a major migration into North America by early ancestors of Native Americans, leading to the establishment of diverse cultures across the continent.

Early Indigenous Groups

Map of Villages:

• Notable groups include the Ancestral Pueblo (formerly known as Anasazi), known for their impressive cliff dwellings and intricate pottery; the Hohokam, who developed extensive irrigation systems in the desert regions; the Adena Hopewell cultures in the Midwest, recognized for their monumental earthworks and burial mounds; and the Mississippian culture, famous for its complex chiefdoms, large earthen mounds, and extensive trade networks.

Petroglyphs:

Rock carvings known as petroglyphs provide significant insight into prehistoric societies, illustrating their beliefs, societal structures, and interactions with nature. Interpretation of these carvings can vary greatly based on the cultural context of the observer, posing challenges for archaeologists.

Evidence through Archaeology

Source Analysis:

The importance of examining artifacts lies in their ability to provide insights into the daily lives, customs, and beliefs of ancient populations. These artifacts can include tools, pottery, and ceremonial items that illustrate technological advancements and social practices.

• Clovis Spear Point: Dated approximately to 11,200 BC, this artifact indicates advanced hunting techniques among early inhabitants, marking a significant development in prehistoric technology and survival strategies.

• Desert Archaic People: This group existed from 9000 BC up to 580 AD, with evidence found at Danger Cave in Utah. Their extended cultural timeline illustrates the adaptability of indigenous populations in arid environments and their resourcefulness in utilizing available natural resources.

Oral Histories

Significance:

Oral traditions transmitted histories, stories, and cultural knowledge across generations. Though there can be skepticism regarding their accuracy due to variations over time, they provide invaluable insights into the lives and values of pre-contact societies that may not be captured through written records or artifacts.

Radiocarbon Dating

Radiocarbon dating is a scientific method used to estimate the age of organic materials found in archaeological sites, critical for establishing timelines in historical research. This technique helps determine the age of artifacts, contributing to a clearer understanding of cultural developments and interactions across various periods.

Connections to Central Question

a. Comparative Analysis:

Examine historical overlap among various cultures to explore similarities and differences in their societal structures, technologies, and adaptations. Analyzing artifacts and histories critically will reveal much about the peoples who created them, emphasizing their uniqueness and the richness of their cultures.

Conclusion

Continue exploration into pre-contact societies with further analysis of specific cultural practices, regional differences