Indians of the Southwest
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Major Tribes
- Pueblos (including Hopi, Zuni,& Taos)
- Pima
- Papago
- Yuma
- Navajo
- Apache
Economy
- earliest farmers in American history
- men did all of the farm work
- developed drought-resistant seed
- built reservoirs and canal irrigation systems
- hunted buffalo, antelope and small game animals
- domesticated the turkey
- no horses or draft animals until introduced by Europeans
- traded with Pacific coast and central American civilizations
Society
- Pueblo families organized into complex clan system
- men took one wife
- descent was through the mother
- peacefulness was the rule
- religious leaders made decisions for the community
- warrior society acted as a police force
- murder was nearly unknown
- theft was rare
- Navajo and Apache were nomadic
- Pueblos: men married several wives; divorce easily obtained by either partner
Region
- three basic varieties or terrain and climate: high plateau, mountains with narrow valleys, low deserts
- entire region arid
- water was precious
Early History
- desert farmers: by 3,000 B.C. grew corn and beans
- northern raiders: hunters, gatherers, and traders
Culture
- "pueblos" were towns built of stone and adobe
- dome-shaped pit houses
- skilled weavers of baskets and fabrics
- expert potters
- art works were made for use in religious ceremonies in underground Kivas
- famous for beautiful basketry
Religion
- religion pervaded every aspect of life
- kachinas (cloud and rain beings)
- prayer sticks planted as offerings to the rain spirits
- "curing sessions" to promote health and well being
- greatly respected the dead
- burned the houses in which people lived
- gave gifts to the grave
Links
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