The Native American Indians - Term Paper Example

The native American Indians Americans also referred as the Indians were the first occupants of the new world. Their presence in this region goes back to the period preceding European arrival. The name Indians originated from Columbus, a Spanish explorer, who on his way to India confused the people of this region for Indians. Many historical records suggest American Indians to have originated from Asia and travelled to America many years ago. During that time the region was very cold and was covered by ice especially the northern part. Indian tribe’s are thought to have transverse the Bering Strait and spread downwards to the southern region of America (Handbook of North American Indians, 8-10). The various Indians went about their lives differently on account of their cultures which borrowed a lot from their respective climate and surroundings. The Arctic and Subarctic This tribe of the Indian is thought to have possibly moved in from Siberia 10,000 years ago and occupied Canada and Alaska. They are also referred as Inuit. They obtained their daily food from hunting sea mammals like whales and seals and also hunting deer. Their houses were constructed using wood collected from nearby forest and animal skin. This group of the Indians made their voyages across the rivers and lakes of the arctic(Handbook of North American Indians, 26). Here, they used snowshoes and toboggans whenever the rivers and lakes froze. The Northeast This group of Indians occupied the region between the Atlantic Coast, as far west or Mississippi to be precise, and the Great Lakes region. Later, they became the first out of the many Native Americans to get in touch with the European settlers. In the early stages of their contact the two groups lived harmoniously (Tarango,56). In fact the Indians went ahead teaching white people how to plant corn and even held their first Thanksgiving ceremony together in 1692. However, bad blood gradually developed between Indians and the settlers when the latter decided to advance westwards taking away the natives land. The Southeast This region stretches all the way from Atlantic to the Mississippi and from Ohio River to the Gulf of Mexico. The Indian group residing here experienced warm summers and mild winters. Since the area received enough rainfall many of them undertook corn growing. Women from these tribes possessed much power as some of them were allowed to be part of the war councils. Religion formed a key aspect in their culture; they held deep reverence to their ancestors and would bury their dead with many objects. Many of them worshipped the sun just like other Indian tribes. The Plains The plains extended from Canada to Mexico on one side and from Mississippi to the Rocky Mountains on the other. A small number of Indian occupied this region before European arrival. The arrival of Spanish changed the life of the plain Indians, especially on the ground that this season realized the introduction of Horses. Such is the case that these tribes would chase after buffalos on horse backs, a factor that made buffalos their main food. Meat from buffalos was majorly roasted over fire while the skin was used in cloth and tepee making. Bones from this killed buffalos became useful in making horns and other important tools(Tarango,45). The arrival of white settlers realized a mass hunting of these buffalos to the level of almost becoming extinct. Consequently, many Indians were forced to leave this region that was later turned into ranches and cattle farms. The Mountain Region The tribes occupying this region covered the highest parts of the northern America. The white settlers only came to this region in the second half of the 19th century following gold and other minerals discovery. Indian tribes living in this region were driven off on the account of a large miner’s influx. The Southwest This is a dry region and stretches all the way from central Mexico to the southern part of California. This region hosted majority of the famous tribes. The Pueblos were among the most developed tribes. They established villages and mostly survived on farming. They grew corn and beans and also raised turkeys. Pueblos built large houses termed as cliff dwellings that maintained an entrance on the roof tops. To enter these houses individuals were forced to climb up the ladder. This ladder could be removed whenever an enemy attacked. The pueblos had many folk tales and were mostly blacksmiths. The other tribes are the Navajo and the Apache, known mostly for their spirited fight during wars(Tarango, 68). They often attacked the Pueblo taking away their food and other goods. Family Life Family life for the many Indian tribes revolved around particular family activities that included getting food, building houses and making clothes. Food The Native American Indians consumed varied kinds of food that mostly depended on their environment. Those living on the plains found in the Central America frequently ate Buffalo meat. The pueblos who lived mostly in the south-western region thrived on beans, corn and squash. The Indians of Canada and Alaska were hunters who lived on hunting dear and other wild games in the forest (Handbook of North American Indians, 78). Additionally they practiced fishing. Majority of the Indians gathered fruits and nuts and used ovens made from hot stones to cook their food. Food preservation was accomplished by smoking or drying in the sun. Marriage and Children Majority of the Indians married at a tender age; usually girls got married when aged 13 to about 15, while married at 15 or about 20. In some of the native tribes the parents maintained the obligation of choosing wives and husbands for their children. Some other tribes permitted men to marry more than one wife and if the man was to die one of the brothers would inherit the wives. Native Indian families were mostly small since most of the children died at birth or before teenage hood. Boys who survived the challenges to attain teenage life were tested to determine their brevity and strength. To do this, they were left to live in the wilderness where they could live alone for a long time. In many regions, native Indians stayed as big families termed as clans. Clans were comprised a group of relatives who shred one ancestor. Clothing Majority of the Indians clothed on furs and animal skins. Rabbit fur and buffalo skin were the most popular. Bird’s feathers were fitted on the head to act as decorations. The Native Americans found in the tropical region wore simple skirts. In other tribes, individuals walked without any cloth. Houses and Homes Native American Indians built different kinds of homes based on the kind of climate they experienced and also the available building materials. Some tribes build large houses that hosted many families, each having its own room, others maintained small homes where only a few people could stay. The Inuit of Canada created houses fit for snowy environment experienced in winter and lived in tents made using animal skins in summer. In other American regions, native Indians constructed wigwams covered with leaves while still other constructed houses into the earth and covered then using grass and leaves (Bank, 26). The great plain Indians constructed tepees that made use of buffalo skin. Pueblo of the south-western part of America constructed houses using sun-dried bricks. Government Tribes usually consisted of families that joined together to form a larger clan. By the time Columbus arrived hundred of tribes were already living in America. Each of this tribe inhibited its own region, shared a common language and maintained its own religion. Tribes were headed by a chief and important decisions were made in meetings attended by tribal council (Handbook of North American Indians, 23). Here, members were drawn from very important people of the many different families. Warfare American natives warred against other tribes particularly when it was the only means to settle their disputes. Bows and arrows were commonly used as weapons. Some tribe introduced the use of poison which was applied on the arrowhead (Transnational Progressivism). In addition, Indians used tomahawks and spears. Defeat of an enemy was usually celebrated by killing and taking the scalp as a prize that is displayed to others (Handbook of North American Indians, 33). Warrior became more famous and gained much respect after killing an enemy. Arts and Crafts The Native Americans were good in arts and crafts. Their work included beautiful pottery; basket used to carry food and wove blankets and rugs from cloths. They did painting which was particularly used on the pottery. Wall painting was made to reflect important ceremonies and other incidences making their everyday life. Religion American Indians did not have a single religion, instead they maintained many beliefs. They held strong believe in spirits thought to be superior to human beings and controlled their lives and also believed in mysterious force in nature. Individuals looked up to them whenever they fell ill or when searching for food. A number of tribes believed in one god while others had many. They also believed in the existence of special spirits that were regarded more powerful than others. Shaman played the important role of communicating to the spirits and also served as medicine men that treated sick people in the family (Bank, 45-50). Treatment involved moving around the bodies while singing and also the use of plants to cure particular diseases. Certain ceremonies were held believing they will help them get enough food. For instance, buffalo dance was held by the plain Indians as a means to attract their luck on hunting buffalo. Other festivals include her vest ceremonies and rain dances that were used to pray to gods for enough rain. Music formed a special accompaniment in everyday life. Various tribes sang after the rhythm of drums and rattles. Others used whistles and flutes. The historic era realized the arrival of European settlers in the new world, a factor that marked the start of the ending to the Indian life. The settlers who arrived in this new world believed their way of life was superior to that of the natives and even tried to force them to embrace their own life. As time went by land issues erupted as settlers demanded land to carry out mining. This factor saw many Indians forced to leave their land leaving behind the settlers. These alterations were not without fights. Such is the case that Indians strongly opposed the settlers to defend their land. In the 1830s the government passed a law to move the Indian tribes to the region west of Mississippi. Later in 1950s gold was discovered in California and settlers rushed in destroying the land that was once a fishing and hunting ground f or the Indians (Handbook of North American Indians, 17). The period marking early 20th century saw the American government begin a move that sought to put Indian tribes on reservation within the western region of the United States. Sometime later, the government allowed the Indians to vote, a factor that allowed them to be integrated gradually into the society. Native Americans Today Currently America host about 2.5 natives, the largest tribes being the Chippewa,Cherokee,Sioux and Navajo. Close to a third of this tribes live on reservation within US. The other group stays in towns or cities. The native Indian culture is preserved on reservation. In this case, Indians freely practice their old traditions despite the fear of soon being lost as more and more are integrated into present society. Today, native Indians live better life than they used to do in the early 20th century. Such is the case that they can access better education with some even proceeding to the college level (Case, and David, 23). Currently, many Native Americans work as doctors, lawyers and many other respectable jobs offered by the government. The tribes have also changed their system of meeting their daily needs. Many of them have embraced tourism and also sell handcrafts. In 1988, the federal government permitted casinos and other forms of gambling on reservation. Still other Indian tribes earn their money from taxes on gas or oil produced in their land. Even with such improvement, Native Americans tribes are still facing serious problems. Unemployment is very high and it’s thought to be about 50 %( Klein,77). Indian families record an income that is much lower when compared to white families. Most of them offer unskilled labor, a factor that makes them the lowly paid. Works Cited Bank, Rosemarie K.. ""Show Indians"/Showing Indians: Buffalo Bills Wild West, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and American Anthropology." Journal of Dramatic Theory and Criticism 26.1 (2011): 149-158. Print. Case, David S., and David A. Voluck. Alaska natives and American laws. 3rd ed. Fairbanks, AK: University of Alaska Press, 2012. Print. "Handbook of North American Indians: v.2: Indians in contemporary society." Choice Reviews Online 46.06 (2009): 46-3025-46-3025. Print. Klein, Kerwin Lee. "Native Americans And The Burden Of History." Modern Intellectual History 2.03 (2005): 409. Print. "Native American Facts for KidsResources on American Indians for Children and TeachersWelcome to Native Languag." Native Americans Facts for Kids: An American Indian website for children and teachers. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Mar. 2014. . Tarango, Angela. "American Indian College: A Witness to the Tribes." Pneuma 33.2 (2011): 314-315. Print. "Transnational Progressivism: African Americans, Native Americans, and the Universal Races Congress of 1911." Studies in American Indian literatures 25.2 (2013): 243-261. Print. Zott, Lynn M.. Native Americans. Detroit: Greenhaven Press Read More