Exploring Tribal Traditions: Native American Societies Before Contact

 

A lot of people ask, how Native American societies functioned before the arrival of Christopher Columbus. If you have the same question and looking for answers, then continue reading because in this blog we will cover everything. In this article, we will delve deep into Native American society and bring you key information and facts. So, let’s begin.

Introduction

Native American societies were very unique in comparison to the European Societies in many ways. Just like Europe, America’s societies developed over thousands of years and were shaped by many aspects like environment, historical experiences, and geographical locations. Here are some key aspects of Tribal societies of the New World before the arrival of Christopher Columbus.

Diversity:

Tribal societies of the New World were highly diverse. Although it is very difficult to provide the exact numbers. But historians suggest somewhere between 300 – 500 languages were spoken in North America, whereas, the number in South America is between 1500 – 2000. So, in North America alone, we are talking about 500 different languages and probably a much higher number of dialects. Some widely spoken languages were Sioux Languages, Iroquoian, Algonquian, and Uto-Aztecan (Comanche Language). 

Agriculture and Hunter-Gatherers

In this, geographical and climatic conditions shaped the hunter-gatherers and agriculturally based societies in North America. For example: In the Great Plains, different tribes of Cheyenne, Lakota Sioux, and Comanche mainly relied on hunting. Bison were available in these regions in a very huge number. When we go northwards to Alaska and Canada, those tundra regions were inhabited by the Inuit and Athabaskan tribes. They were engaged in fishing, hunting, and gathering other useful foods from the tundra and boreal forests. Whereas, in the Pacific Northwest, tribes were known for their sophisticated gathering and fishing practices. In Eastern Woodlands, tribes practiced a combination of gathering, fishing, and hunting. They also were involved in agriculture but their main food came from hunting and fishing.

Agriculture was more widespread in Central America. Where Aztecs and Maya cultivated beans, squash, corn, and many other crops. In North America, Cherokee and Creek were also cultivating different crops.

Complex Societies:

In the southeastern United States, the Mississippians had an established hierarchy with Tribal Chiefs, Shamans, or priests.

Tribes and Clans:

Before the advent of Columbus, Indigenous populations were organized into different clans and tribes. Each tribe or clan had its own Tribal Chief, governing bodies, Hunter groups, and tribal councils. Most of the powers and control were under the tribal chief and the high priests of the society.

Religions

Indigenous Americans did not follow one religion. There were many different religions and at times each tribe or clan had a different belief. Rituals and ceremonies played an important role in these societies. Although they all followed different religions there were some common beliefs; they believed spirits inhabit all-natural beings.

Sustainable Resource Management:

Most of the local population was involved in hunting and gathering and they knew this was their sole source of food. They never hunted in excess numbers or over-gathered from forests. Moreover, they used to apply controlled burns to sustain, maintain, and improve the hunting grounds and agriculture. This practice came to be known as fire ecology.

Local Trade:

Before the arrival of Europeans, there was no concept of currency in the local trade. Many tribes used to exchange goods with each other. It was kind of a barter system. For example: Tribes from the Great Plains, Cheyenne and Lakota Sioux used to trade Bison hides and meat with eastern woodland tribes. Also, they used to trade livestock, pieces of jewelry, tools, and religious items. This exchange of goods helped facilitate cooperation and cultural exchange.

Oral Traditions:

Unlike other societies, the Native American society did not have any writing system in North America. All the records and traditions were passed orally. All these traditions and historical records were passed orally from generation to generation. The clan’s priest or shaman was responsible for this information.

Gender Roles:

In many tribes, gender roles were defined for both genders. But, in some societies women played key roles in decision making, sending hunting parties, and in agriculture. In many, men played all the important roles in the society. Gender roles were more tied to specific cultural and economic practices of each tribal society.

Conflicts and Alliances

Just like other societies, conflicts, and alliances were part of the New World’s societies. Common reasons for the conflicts were over, territory, resources, hunting grounds, and in many cases cultural differences. Smaller clans used to form alliances with other clans to protect each other against larger tribes. With this, they used to cooperate and cultural exchange also took place with this practice.

Animals:

A lot of people ask, did Native Americans have dogs? To answer this question, we need to understand that the concept of animals is different than other societies. For example: Did Native Americans have dogs? Of course, but not as pets but their purpose was different. Like in Alaska and Northern Canada, dogs were used for the transportation of goods, guarding, and other purposes. While, in the Great Plains, birds of prey like eagles, falcons, and hawks were trained to assist them in hunting. They also kept domesticated animals like pigs, ducks, and turkeys. So yes, in these societies’ animals played an important role but their purpose was entirely different from that of Asian, African, or European cultures and societies.

Famous Native Americans

We are providing this section as extras for our readers. Hopefully, this will be helpful.

Sitting Bull: Sitting Bull was the chief of the Lakota Sioux and he is known for the battle of Little Bighorn which took place in 1876. In this battle, different tribes came under one banner and defeated General Custer’s army. Other famous Native Americans include Pocahontas, Heinmot Tooyalakect, Geronimo, Jim Thorpe, Maria Tallchief, and many others. These are just the names of a few. You can search for them online; these clans have produced great people to take inspiration from.

Conclusion:

Hopefully, you enjoyed reading this article about the indigenous societies of North America before the arrival of Europeans. If you enjoy reading our content then don’t worry. We have more exciting content in your way.