Native American Pluralism Discussion Period 7
Characteristics of the Hohokam, Anasazi, Cahokia Not expansionist Animist – respectful worship for spirits and nature Reason for absence of capitalist system Restrictions on domestication of animals and hunting Cone cause for negative perspective towards Europeans Respect for environment is not ecological but size of society and religion prevented extensive use Motivation was fear of harming spirits Shamans hold both political and social prestige for their ability to cleanse negative spirits Urban centers more dispersed and decentralized which allowed for the respect of the environment Moved couple of generations
Characteristics of the Pequot Conflict between colonists over ability to live in harmony with the environment Wealth and status not determined by how much you have but by how much you give Shamans in change of disbursement of material wealth Efficient farming method that highlighted the wide variety of crops that could be planted at the same time Famers much smaller in comparison with plantation farms colonists begins to build Gender roles related to occupation Sachems at the top, then shamans, then prestigious veteran warriors council still not viewed as a centralized government, more of an advisory board Semi-nomadic peoples that moved seasonally
Characteristics of the Powhatan Defined gender roles related to occupation but social hierarchy not dependent on occupation ]Powhatan led them on short, but furious raids that intimidated other tribes and the colonists (form of guerilla warfare) Also a semi-nomadic group Communal culture in comparison with capitalist societies of colonies Because of nomadic nature, did not accumulate material wealth or stores of food to prepare for harsh times Similar to a confederacy
Characteristics of the Iroquois Mourning Wars – heavily based around revenge torture and cannibalism Differing perspectives over what the Iroquois view of themselves and what others thought of them Heavily engaged in the fur trade Biggest enemy the French The Great League tied them all together in a military alliance tied together in religious ceremony No political authority
A Cultural Comparison Native American GroupsEuropean Groups Language barriers exist Motivated by material wealth Imperialist Monarchies or centralized government structures Social hierarchies determined by birth, wealth, status Christian ethnocentrism Technology advances in naval systems and firearms Respect for nature (religious) Advanced farming techniques Communal and less focused on private property No real political unity Nomadic Similar spiritual beliefs Familial piety and devotion Decentralized political structure