Woodland (1000 B.C A.D.) Eventually, people in Georgia made an important discovery. Besides eating corn, they could plant it and expect a corn crop to grow during the summer. Farming is to intentionally grow a food crop in a certain area. It’s a huge break- through for the Native Americans. They could let the food “come” to them! Eventually, people in Georgia made an important discovery. Besides eating corn, they could plant it and expect a corn crop to grow during the summer. Farming is to intentionally grow a food crop in a certain area. It’s a huge break- through for the Native Americans. They could let the food “come” to them!

Woodland (1000 B.C A.D.) Because food was easier to get, the need for movement was reduced. The groups of bands (of the Archaic period) grew to be tribes ( ) of people by the Woodland period. Because food was easier to get, the need for movement was reduced. The groups of bands (of the Archaic period) grew to be tribes ( ) of people by the Woodland period.

Woodland (1,000 B.C A.D.) Technology: Technology: Bow and Arrow: for hunting small game such as deer or squirrel. Dart/Blow Gun: for hunting very small game such as birds, rabbits, etc. Question: Why would these new weapons be an improvement for hunting over the use of the atl-atl for hunting deer or rabbits? (Hint: think about the delivery)

Woodland (1,000 B.C A.D.) Technology: The people who lived during the Woodland era were much different from their ancestors during the Paleo and Archaic time periods. Why? Technology: The people who lived during the Woodland era were much different from their ancestors during the Paleo and Archaic time periods. Why? Tribal Growth: For the first time in history, man learned a very important skill: he could plant a seed, fertilize it, and wait for it to grow into something edible. The fear of starvation was lessened considerably. It also encouraged “tribes” to stay in one place. These tribes could be people. The main farm crop was corn. Tribal Growth: For the first time in history, man learned a very important skill: he could plant a seed, fertilize it, and wait for it to grow into something edible. The fear of starvation was lessened considerably. It also encouraged “tribes” to stay in one place. These tribes could be people. The main farm crop was corn.

Woodland (1000 B.C A.D.) Horticulture Techniques: Horticulture Techniques: Girdling: This is the process of cutting down a tree with a stone axe. The Woodland Indian would cut a circle around the base of the tree trunk. Eventually, the tree would die, and could be pushed over easily. Slash & Burn: This process involves cutting away all vegetation on the ground, and then burning it. The soil can then be used for planting, or allowed to grow back naturally. The young plants that grow there attract deer, rabbits, etc. because those plants are the best to eat!

Woodland Landmark One of the signs of the Woodland period in Georgia is the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound. (“Effigy” means “form” or “in the image”). This is near Eatonton, GA (near Covington). One of the signs of the Woodland period in Georgia is the Rock Eagle Effigy Mound. (“Effigy” means “form” or “in the image”). This is near Eatonton, GA (near Covington). Quartz Rocks were piled 10 ft. high, 102 feet in length, and 120 ft. wide. Quartz Rocks were piled 10 ft. high, 102 feet in length, and 120 ft. wide. Archaeologists think Rock Eagle might have been used as a religious center for many groups in the area. Archaeologists think Rock Eagle might have been used as a religious center for many groups in the area. Question: Why would an “eagle” be a good choice for a religious meeting area? (Hint: what characteristics would an eagle have that humans might wish to emulate?) Question: Why would an “eagle” be a good choice for a religious meeting area? (Hint: what characteristics would an eagle have that humans might wish to emulate?)

Woodland Wonderings QUESTIONS TO PONDER: QUESTIONS TO PONDER: Which is the best description of the Woodland Indians? Which is the best description of the Woodland Indians? --Food Gatherer --Hunting Farmer --Master Farmer What was the purpose for Rock Eagle? What was the purpose for Rock Eagle? Why did the Woodland Indians change their style of weapons? (Hint: think about the delivery of the arrow) Why did the Woodland Indians change their style of weapons? (Hint: think about the delivery of the arrow)

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) As time went on, cultures got even better at growing food. Where the Woodland Indians grew corn (“maize”), the Mississippian Indians grew a variety of crops such as pumpkin, squash, beans, As time went on, cultures got even better at growing food. Where the Woodland Indians grew corn (“maize”), the Mississippian Indians grew a variety of crops such as pumpkin, squash, beans, and many other crops. and many other crops.

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) Because food was easily provided, group size grew to chiefdoms (2000+ people) for this tradition. Because food was easily provided, group size grew to chiefdoms (2000+ people) for this tradition. The Chief, or mico, was the spiritual & political of the chiefdom. He could be carried down from his mound on a “litter” (a seat carried between two poles by warriors). The Chief, or mico, was the spiritual & political of the chiefdom. He could be carried down from his mound on a “litter” (a seat carried between two poles by warriors).

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) The chief lived on man- made mounds of dirt. Other smaller mounds might be for a lesser chief (medicine man) or a burial mound. The chief lived on man- made mounds of dirt. Other smaller mounds might be for a lesser chief (medicine man) or a burial mound. When a chief died, his body & house might be burned on top on the mound. Then, more dirt would be added and the new chief (his son) would live on top of the mound. When a chief died, his body & house might be burned on top on the mound. Then, more dirt would be added and the new chief (his son) would live on top of the mound.

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) TECHNOLOGY: TECHNOLOGY: The bow and arrow was improved with the triangular arrowhead The bow and arrow was improved with the triangular arrowhead Pottery was decorated with patterns. It was also made into many different shapes & forms. Pottery was decorated with patterns. It was also made into many different shapes & forms. In Etowah, “V’s” of rocks were put in the river to force fish to swim through the point of the “V” In Etowah, “V’s” of rocks were put in the river to force fish to swim through the point of the “V”

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) LEISURE TIME: LEISURE TIME: “Chunkey”- A game in which two spears are thrown at a rolling stone. The one that lands closest to the stone (without hitting it) would score a point. “Bear Skull”- A game in which a skull is tied on top of a pole. The two teams try to take a dear skin ball and hit the skull with it. If they do, they get a point. If not, everyone goes for a rebound. Teams try to tackle players with the ball and steal it. If a team scores, then the other team gets the ball. “Stick Ball” – A game like our modern-day of lacrosse. Players use two netted sticks to pass the ball to teammates to get across a goal. Sometimes two chiefdoms might agree to play this game to settle a dispute rather than going to war.

Mississippian (1000 A.D A.D.) Famous sites: Famous sites: Etowah: located in NW GA (near Cartersville), this site has 7 mounds and used the “V” trap for fishing. The chief would live on the highest mound. Etowah: located in NW GA (near Cartersville), this site has 7 mounds and used the “V” trap for fishing. The chief would live on the highest mound. Ocmulgee: located in middle GA (near Macon), this site also has mounds, including an earth mound that was hollow so that meetings could be held in there. A raging fire would make it a “sweat lodge” and the “Black Drink” would make people vomit before entering. Ocmulgee: located in middle GA (near Macon), this site also has mounds, including an earth mound that was hollow so that meetings could be held in there. A raging fire would make it a “sweat lodge” and the “Black Drink” would make people vomit before entering. Question: Why would sweating and purging with the Black Drink be used at these meetings? (Hint: think about symbolism) Question: Why would sweating and purging with the Black Drink be used at these meetings? (Hint: think about symbolism)

Mississippians Survival wasn’t a constant concern so they had time for other pursuits, like:  Elaborate ceremonies with elaborate headdresses and costumes.  Beautiful jewelry to adorn themselves, show status.  Tattoos, also to adorn themselves, show status.  Fortifications, like moats & palisades to protect their cities from enemies.

Mississippian Musings QUESTIONS TO PONDER: QUESTIONS TO PONDER: Which is the best description of the Mississippian Indians? Which is the best description of the Mississippian Indians? --Food Gatherer --Hunting Farmer --Master Farmer What was the purpose for the Earth lodge? What was the purpose for the Earth lodge? What was the symbolism of the people making the mounds for the mico to live on top of it? Who is he closer to by living up there? What was the symbolism of the people making the mounds for the mico to live on top of it? Who is he closer to by living up there?