Homes of the Native Americans (Native American Life (Mason Crest))

When Studying The Indigenous Peoples Of North, Central, And South America, It Is Important To Understand That Native American Cultures Are Highly Diverse. With More Than 500 Native American Nations And 300 Different Language Groups, There Are Few Universal Characteristics That Apply Across Tribal Boundaries. Traditions, Ceremonies, Sports, Games, Dance, Subsistence Patterns, Clothing, And Religion Often Differed Greatly From Tribe To Tribe. The Native American Life Series Has Been Written To Dispel Many Of The Myths And Stereotypes About Native American History And Traditions, And To Provide A More Accurate And Encompassing Journey Into The World Of Native Americans. After Christopher Columbus and other European adventurers landed in the Americas during the 15th and 16th centuries, the lands they explored were often called the "New World." However, North, South, and Central America were new only to the people of Europe. Native Americans had lived on the land for millions of years.In some cases, the natives and Europeans were able to live in peace and even learned from each other. Most of the time, however, the European invaders brought with them disease and violence, which spelled the end of the Native Americans' way of life. From the woodland tribes to the tribes of Mexico and the Caribbean and all the way to the Arctic, Native American houses reflected the environments in which various tribes lived. Furthermore, Native American homes also reflected the deep spiritual life of a people. The way in which they were built, the materials used, and even the direction the house faced was significant. This book provides an understanding of the different homes built by the Native Americans-from longhouses to tepees to igloos to pueblos. Homes of the Native Americans The hunting practices of Native Americans differed throughout North and South America. Some hunted with bows and arrows, others with spears and clubs, and still others with snares and traps. This book discusses the ways in which Native Americans hunted in different regions, the weapons they used, and the types of animals that were hunted. It also describes the rituals the tribes performed before hunting, and explains how they used not only the meat, but also the bones, hide, and sinews of the animals they killed Introduces readers to living spaces of Native Americans. Explores different Native American dwellings, looking at how they reflected the environments in which their inhabitants lived and how and with what materials they were built. The first Native American homes Dwellings of the northeast Homes in the southeast Homes of the west and southwest Living quarters in the far north Central and South American homes Conclusion. Discusses the different homes built by Native Americans, the materials used, and spiritual significance of the structures