The Plains Tribes

The Plains peoplelived on the Interior Plainbetween the Rocky Mountainsand the Mississippi River.

Water was the most important resource.

On fields of grass, they hunted the buffalo (bison).

Buffalo was the second most important resource.Buffalo was the main source of food for the Plains people.The meat was eaten cooked or raw.Pemmican was buffalo mixed with berries and buffalo fat.

FARMERS and HUNTERS

1) The Plains tribes shared many customs and all depended on the buffalo.2) Still there were differences between the tribes.3) Their ways of life depended on where they lived.

PEOPLE of the CENTRAL PLAINS

Tribes:1. Iowa2. Missouri3. Sioux a) Nakota b) Lakota

A) These groups were hunters and gathers & farmers.B) They hunted deer, elk, and buffalo.C) They gathered plants.D) They farmed beans, corn and sunflowers.

Farming was done in the fertile valleys between the Platte River & Missouri River.These farming groups traded food for other goods.

The Central Plains people lived in houses called lodges.They were large, round earthen houses.Twenty to forty people lived in each lodge.They were built over a fire pit.There was a hole in the roof to let out smoke.Some lodges were covered with sod.

About twice a year, Central Plains tribes took part in a great buffalo hunt.

PEOPLE of the GREAT PLAINS

Tribes:1. Cheyenne2. Kiowa3. Crow

Wood was scarce on the Plains.Fuel and shelter were made from other materials.Tribes moved from place to place following the buffalo.They could not farm the dry, hard soil.These tribes were nomads (They roamed from place to place.)

Since these tribes were nomads, the built shelters that wereeasy to move and put together.

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First, wooden poles were set in a circle & tied together at the top.

Next, the poles were covered with buffalo skins.

A hole was left at the top to let out the smoke

The people also used the wooden poles to make a carriercalled a travois.

To make a travois, you would tie 2 poles together at 1 end,then fasten it to the harness on a dog. Goods were carried on a buffalo skin tied between the poles.

PLAINS CULTURE

Some tribes made their own decisions, but they had to respect the other tribes connected with their group.

Other groups lived in smaller tribes, but sent their leadersto meet in a council of chiefs. All tribes had to follow thedecisions of the council.

Among the Plains people, all people were considered equal.

Anyone could become chief ,as long as they were a good warrior and leader.

TRADITIONS & RELIGIOUS BELIEFS

Each group had a story of how their people were created.

Ceremonies would be held for corn harvest, the buffalo hunts, naming a child, marriages, and a ceremony to keep the buffalo strong.

CALENDAR ROBES

Many Plains people kept track of their history by writingsymbols on the hide of a buffalo.

The leaders would decide each year what events were recorded.

While they all depended on the buffalo, there were differences between the Plains people depending on what part

of the plains they lived in.

• People of the Central Plains

• Hunters, gatherers, farmers

• Hunted deer, elk, buffalo

• Grew beans, corn, sunflowers

• Lived in lodges

• Great buffalo hunt 2X a year

• Smaller tribes made their own choices, but respected each other

• People of the Great Plains

• Nomads: followed the buffalo

• Tepees were their shelters

• Used travois to carry belongings

• Tribes were independent, but leaders would meet at a council

• Council made decisions everyone followed