Agriculture:
The Cherokee were farmers, hunters and
gatherers. They grew corn, squash and beans, along with pumpkin,
melons, sunflowers, tobacco, and other crops. Corn was the most
important food. The women made sure they planted enough crops to
provide food for two years.
Hunting
& Fishing: The Cherokee were wonderful
hunters. Legend says ... They could hit a fly from 30 feet
away. They did not hunt for sport. The men only hunted what they
needed to feed their families. Every part of the animal was used. The
most important animal for their needs was the deer. They hunted
turtles for food, and used turtle shells for rattles.
Tools:
They made blowguns, bows and arrows, animal
traps, nets to catch fish, and spears.
Clothing:
Women wore deerskin tops, skirts, and moccasins.
Men wore deerskin loin clothes in the summer, and added leggings,
shirts, and robes in the winter, all made of deerskin.
Tattoos
and Body Paint: Men commonly decorated their
bodies and faces with tattoos or paint.
Jewelry/Beads:
They made jewelry of shells and silver.
Women made painted clay beads.
