Native American Costumes

Monday's Lesson Plan
The Native Americans were the first people to live on the North American continent. When the European settlers and explorers arrived, the Native Americans had a very developed way of life. Native American customs were very different from those of the Europeans. The Native American tribes and Europeans had to learn how to share North America.

Painting Buffalo Skins

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Great pride is placed in craftsmanship among the Native American tribes. The techniques used in the beadwork that adorns so much of Native American materials have been passed from generation to generation. These types of decoration told about the tribe and its members. The decorations on a cradleboard were said to reflect how much a mother loved her child. Craftsmanship was and still is an integral part of the Native American culture.

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The tribes of the different regions in the United States developed distinct differences from one another. The Anasazi in the Southwest lived in apartment like structures on the cliffs. They created beautiful pottery and wooden kachina dolls. The land in which they lived greatly determined much about their culture. Corn is something that many of the tribes have in common. Growing techniques may change in different regions, but corn was an important staple in almost all Native American diets.

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Each Native American tribe has a distinct way to create headdresses, baskets and beads. This style was deeply influenced by the area in which the tribes lived. The natural materials available dictated how many things were created. As Europeans moved to North America, Native American tribes were forced to live closer together. This meant a fusing of techniques and styles among Native American craftsmen.

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As Native American tribes were forced to move onto reservations and into specified areas, tribes began to adopt customs from one another. The lines of distinction between tribes become slightly blurred. Other cultures have also adopted some Native American customs. Things like dream catchers have become common and associated with groups other than just the Native Americans.

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