Early Native American Cultures

Life in Pre-Columbian United States

Focus Question:Describe the common image most people

have of American Indians:

Early Native AmericansSome 2 to 15 million lived in the U.S. and Canada in

1500Spoke 375 languagesLived in a variety of

climates

Cultural GroupsNorth America divided into 8 major

groups

Shared PatternsTrade Links connected peoples

Permanent Settlements knownKnown trade routes existed

Religious BeliefsNatural World inhabited by spiritsRituals tied into daily routines

Shared Patterns (2)Land Usage

The land could not be ownedLand was owned by all and used by allCould not be sold

Shared Patterns (3)Society revolved about the extended family

Many nations were matrilinearHouse and property owned by womenFamilies traced through the mother

Nations often divided intobands and villages

SummaryDescribe one way you would improve today’s

lesson: