North Carolina Native Americans

28 tribes existed in NC 3 largest were Tuscarora, Catawba, and Cherokee Many different languages and dialects Tribes often learned neighbor’s language, sign language, or Mobilian- Choctaw trading language

The Family and Government Many tribes had mother centered clans– people related by blood Children raised by mother’s brother (uncle) Girls married after puberty, men older Divorces allowed only if both agreed Villages ruled by chief and council of elders People could not own the land

Food & Clothing Hunted deer, rabbit, squirrel, bear, birds Fished with hook/line, nets, spears Farmed corn, squash, pumpkins, beans Wore tanned deerskins, moccasins, leggings, fur coats

NA Beliefs All NA’s had some common beliefs: –Many gods and spirits –Had to cleanse/purify their spirits for wrongs done –Afterlife where you are rewarded or punished

NC Beliefs (Mostly Cherokee) This World –Earth is island hung from sky by 4 cords –Cords represent directions –East- red, life, success –West- black, death –North- blue, cold, trouble –South- white, warmth, peace, happiness

Upper World- order, cleaner and purer, home of the gods Under World- below waters, disorder, monsters, witches, enter with spirit guide Gods and Spirits –Sun God- power of day/night, life, grandmother –Moon God- rain, fertility, Sun God brother –Kanati (Red Man)- voice of thunder, storms, –Long Man- water, rivers

NC Animal Beliefs Prayed for forgiveness when killing Rattlesnake– once a man, used meat, skin, teeth/bones Owl– believed it was a witch Bear– did not pray for, men who failed to avenge wrongs done to their people