Prehistoric Native Americans

August 12, 2013

Introduction

Long before Europeans ever arrived in North America, Native American tribes lived here

The earliest known group can be traced back tens of thousands of years.

Much of what we know about these groups is discovered using artifacts, such as pottery and weapons, because they kept no written records of their civilization.

Prehistory: the time before written records

Paleo Period

This is the earliest known culture Lasted until about 10,000 years ago

Most of their tools were made of stone These people were nomadic (moved around)

and followed their food source Often a large herd of animals

They lived in groups of about 25 to 50 people Only a few Paleo sites have been found in

Georgia

Archaic Period

Divided into 3 parts: Early Middle Late

Each is characterized by different foods, tools, living habits

Early Archaic Period

Lasted from about 8000 BCE to 5000 BCE As large animals slowly became extinct,

people began hunting smaller animals, like deer and turkeys

Invented useful items made from deer antlers, such as drills and chipping tools

People probably moved with the seasons, following food sources

Middle Archaic Period

Lasted only about 1000 years, from around 5000 BCE to 4000 BCE The temperatures became warm and dry, causing

water sources to dry up People probably began to fish around this time

period They also stayed in one place for longer time

periods as food became easier to get

Late Archaic Period

Lasted from about 4000 BCE to 1000 BCE Invented the axe to clear trees and bushes around

campsites Also saved seeds to plant in the next growing season

This is believed to be the beginning of farming It is believed that villages were more permanent than

in any other previous time period This group also learned to make and use pottery

which changed the way food was prepared

Woodland Period

Developed around 1000 BCE and lasted until about 1000 CE

This is believed to be the beginning of small groups forming large tribes

Developed the bow and arrow to hunt, and also grew squash and greens to eat

Religious ceremonies also began during this time, including burying the dead in cone-shaped burial mounds

Mississippian Period

Started about 700 CE People grew most of their food, including

corn, beans, and pumpkins They dressed differently, adding beads and

feathers, and also tattooing their bodies Several thousand families may have lived in a

single settlement About 1600 CE, people left the villages for

unknown reasons, and the culture died out

Questions:

1) What is the earliest known prehistoric Native American group? 2) Of what material were most of the tools of the Paleo people

made? 3) What are the 3 classifications of the Archaic period? 4) What type of animals were hunted during the Early Archaic

period? 5) During which period did people begin to fish? 6) What group is believed to have started farming? 7) During which period did the bow and arrow come into use? 8) Which period saved seeds to use for planting? 9) Who were the first people to use burial mounds? 10) Which group was the first to tattoo their bodies?