Historic Native Americans There is a written history about them--from Spanish explorers, Catholic priests, fur trappers and government explorers. Five main tribes: –Utes –Goshutes –Paiutes –Shoshone –Navajo

Utes Largest group living near fertile valleys and mountains, and lakes Used horses for hunting Hunting, fishing, and gathering sites were communal (shared) Tepees made of buffalo skins and tall poles with a fire in the center About 200 people lived in a teppe village Clothing: animal skin, grasses and bark, animal hides to cover their feet

Goshutes Lived in dry regions. Mainly farmers--Irrigated crops: corn, beans, squash, wheat Drove crickets into pots and roasted them to eat. “Root diggers” = ate roots Lived in wiki-ups during the summer = simple shelter made out of weaved branches and dirt Lived in caves during the winter Clothing: –Men: breechcloths –Women: grass skirts

Paiutes Lived in dry regions. Mainly farmers--Irrigated crops: corn, beans, squash, wheat Known for their beautiful basket making Lived in wiki-ups during the summer = simple shelter made out of weaved branches and dirt Lived in caves during the winter Clothing: –Men: breechcloths –Women: grass skirts

Shoshones Lived in mountains and valleys of northern Utah, Idaho and Wyoming Also had horses and were nomadic hunters and gatherers Tepees made of buffalo skins and tall poles with a fire in the center About 200 people lived in a teppe village Clothing: animal skin, grasses and bark, animal hides to cover their feet

Navajos = “Dine” Lived in very dry area--Southern Utah and Arizona Irrigated farmed and raised sheep and goats Lived in Hogans = 8 sided home made of logs. The door always faced the east to meet the rising sun. It was a symbol of the spiritual connection to Mother Earth. Clothing: Raised sheep from the Spanish and used the wool to make yarn. They would dye the yarn with colors form different plants and wove them into rugs, blankets, and cloth.

A Spiritual People Some Indian groups believed in one god and that he was present in all nature. Others believed in many gods. Respect and reverence for nature was very important. Grass wasn’t just grass. They believed there was magic and power in singing and dancing. –To protect hunters –To make corn grow –To celebrate the coming of a young man or a young woman into adulthood. Still done today. Passed on their history through story-telling.

A Language of Legends and Proverbs= lessons to their children

American Proverbs “Don’t bite off more than you can chew.” “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” “Killing two birds with one stone.” “Crap or get off the pot.”

Native American Proverbs “The frog does not drink up the pond in which he lives.” It is better to have less thunder in the mouth and more lightning in the hand.”

Native American Proverbs In your packet, write your interpretation of each proverb. On the following page, pick one proverb to focus on, write it on the line, and then draw a picture of what you think it means. Be creative!