The
Indians of the Southeast were considered members of the Woodland
Indians.
About
4000 years ago, there were many different Southeast Woodland Indian
tribes. Most tribes were farmers, hunters, and gatherers. They lived
in homes. They each had a structured government. They spoke different
languages and dialects. Some knew each other. Some did not.
They
had many things in common. They were artistic, clever people. They
produced colorful art using natural dyes. They made basket from
natural fibers to haul food and store goods. They used shells to make
really sharp knives. They created incredible beadwork. These early
people were great story tellers. They were knowledgeable about herbs
and natural medicines. Knowledge was handed down orally from one
generation to the next.
Each
tribe was divided into a small number of clans. Clans were related
people. When a baby was born, he or she belonged to the mother's clan.
Laws varied, but some laws were the same in all tribes. One such law
was that you could not marry someone from your own clan.
The
Southeast Woodland people believed in honor. They believed in many
gods and goddesses, deities to whom they prayed in song and dance for
help and guidance. They had some very strange customs, and some very
beautiful ones. Come meet a few of the Southeast Woodland Indian
tribes and see how they lived in olden times.
