Indians of the Southeast |
Major Tribes
- Chickasaw
- Choctaw
- Creek
- Cherokee
- Seminole
- Natchez
Economy
- large towns existed
- cultivated corn, beans, sunflowers, and other crops
- hunted deer, turtle, and fowl
- fish were caught in traps or poisoned
- gathered shellfish, wild seeds, berries, and nuts
- traveled by canoe; traded along rivers as far north as the Great Lakes and the West Indies
Society
- some tribes had a highly structured society ruled by a chief
- some tribes were more democratic
- descent was through the wife; her brother was head of the family
- with his wife's consent, a man could take another wife
Region
- from the Atlantic coast to the lower Mississippi Valley and from Virginia to the Gulf of Mexico
- vast wilderness and mountains, dense woodlands, swamps and everglades
- rich and fertile land, perfect for agriculture
Early History
- Mississippi River was a great highway from the earliest times
- commerce and cultural exchange among various tribes
- burial mounds
- temple mounds
Culture
- towns organized around a central square
- stone carvings
- copper jewelry and decorations, engraved shells, feather cloaks, body tattooing
- painted pottery
Religion
- priests prayed for healing and success in war
- green corn ceremony
- all crimes except murder were forgiven