The Southwest Indians Amy Olshansky, Katie Marx, Kara Bruns

Location Arizona, New Mexico, Southern Colorado, and most of Mexico Between the Rocky Mountains and the Mexican Sierra Madre The Continental Divide separates the landscape into the watersheds of two great river systems: the Colorado– Gila–San Juan, in the west, and the Rio Grande–Pecos, in the east. Navajo tribe: New Mexico, Arizona Hopi: Northeastern Arizona Zuni: Western New Mexico Apache: Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, New Mexico Pueblo: New Mexico

Environment Harsh and inhospitable Dry, rocky, desert A lot of cacti Little rain Hot and arid Some forests in the higher elevations A few river valleys

Economy (work) The Southwest Indians were typically farmers (grew corn, squash, beans and fruit) and lived in permanent homes. Due to the harsh climate, farming was often difficult and usually required irrigation. The Apache, a peaceful Southwest Indian tribe, would often come to the aid of other tribes with items and sources of food from the nearby mountains. The exchange between the hunter-gathering Apache and the agricultural-based Pueblo Indians became very important and valuable to both sides. The Southwest Indians traded within each other for the goods they needed.

Political Structure The groups of Indians tended to live in extended families. Government was very decentralized and vague. An older, more experienced male would direct the hunting parties, plan migrations, and solve arguments. Most Indian groups had a leader that was skilled in acquiring food and hunting. Most groups would recognize a priest to serve as a connection between the community and the spirit world.

Religion Based on Animism the universe and all natural objects have souls or spirits Kachina figures - sacred spirits of dead ancestors who bring the rain represented men who dressed as Kachina spirits helped kids learn about their religion Shaman, Medicine Men Prayer Sticks - called them Pahos used to make offerings and petitions to the spirit world Festivals on the Winter and Summer Solstice - Niman and Soyal performed Snake Dance

Roles of Women majority of the tribes prohibit women from taking part in tribal politics tasks were pretty equal cleaned, tended to children, gathered (edible) plants, pounded corn into eal, extracted oils from nuts and acorns, cooking, sewing, packing, unpacking brewing dyes, making pottery, weaving cloth, baskets, and mats – men sometimes also made baskets and pottery, and weaved cloth property was passed through the maternal line

Art and Literature turquoise stone was used a lot in jewelry – thought to promote health, happiness, and good fortune Navajo sand paintings and woven blankets and rugs pottery - vivid color; hieroglyphics; decorative and functional Hopi Kachina dolls basketry and fine jewelry

Sources native-americans.htm native-americans.htm