The Plains Indians Flashcards
Describe 3 features of the Plains Indians way of life.
No land ownership Nomadic Culture Horse-based culture Hunting buffalo No agriculture
Why might the Plains Indians be perceived as ‘savages’
Counting Coup Primitive Clothes Primitive Dwellings Nomadic Uncivilised war No 'normal' religion Visions 'Strange dances' No land appropriation Primitive Technology Different language Hunting Buffalo Scalping their enemies Horse Stealing Polygamous
Why might the Plains Indians not be perceived as ‘savages’.
Subsistence hunting
Family above all else mentality
Elected leaders
What is a band?
A band is a group of 10-50 people, likely family members. Bands make up tribes. It is led by a chief and has a council that makes decisions.
What is a tribe?
A group of bands that are linked by their religion or language. The bands met annually to arrange marriages, trade horses and discuss issues. The chiefs of bands made up the Tribal councils. Some tribes (e.g. the Sioux) were part of larger groups called nations.
Name 3 Native American tribes.
Cherokee Apache Sioux Cheyenne Blackfoot
How were chiefs chosen?
Chiefs were chosen because of their wisdom and skills as warriors/hunters.
What did the 1830 Indian Removal Act do?
It forced all Indians past the Mississippi, using the river to divide the White Americans and the Indians. 46000 Indians were moved. The Americans thought the land on the West of the Mississippi was worthless and called it “The Great American Desert.”
