Unit 1: Native Americans Flashcards
Ice Age
Period during which low temperatures caused large areas of Earth’s water to freeze
glacier
Thick sheets of ice that covered the Earth’s surface during the Ice Age
migrate
to move from one area to another
artifact
object made by people in the past
ceremony
activity done for a special purpose
archaeologist
scientist who studies the artifacts of people who lived long ago and draws conclusions from them
mesa
high, flat land form that rises steeply from the land around it
theory
one possible explanation of something
drought
long period without rain
surplus
more than needed
pyramid
building with three or more sides shaped like triangles that slant toward a point at the top
tribute
payment a ruler demands from people he or she rules
civilization
culture with organized systems of government, religion, and learning
specialize
focus on one particular product, activity, or job
empire
large group of lands and peoples ruled by one leader
slavery
practice of owning people and forcing them to work
Pueblo
Spanish word for village
potlatch
Native American celebration in which the hosts give gifts to their guests.
totem pole
wooden post carved with animals or other images; often used to honor ancestors or special events
Cultural Region
area in which people with similar culture live
tribe
a group of families bound together under a single leadership
Shaman
Native American doctor or healer
tepee
a dwelling built by the Plains Native Americans, made of poles arranged in a circle covered by buffalo hides
powwow
Native American ceremony that often includes traditional dancing and games
travois
sled made of poles tied together; used to transport goods
lodge
large, round hut built by Plains Native Americans
wampum
belts or sting of polished seashells that were used for trading and gift-giving by Iroquois and other Native Americans
Longhouse
building used for shelter by Iroquois
League
union of people or groups
Reservation
land set aside by the United States government for Native Americans
