Chapter 4
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67
change them until the automobile came
along. Themap on page 66 shows some of
themore heavily traveled paths.
When the Native Americans traveled by
water, the canoe was the main way of
transportation. The Algonquins built a
lighter birchbark canoe. The Iroquoismade
canoes out of a heavier elm bark. The birch
canoe lasted a longer time inwater.
Their Religion
T
he Native Americans tribes believed
in a “Great Spirit.” However, they
worshiped in different ways. The
Algonquins brought the spirit of animals
into their religion. Theyhad to kill animals
to survive. They believed if they treated the
dead animal’s bones with respect, the dead
animal wouldnot be angry. Because of this,
fishboneswere thrownback into thewater.
Skulls of land animals were hung up in
special lodges. The skulls were made the
object of praying.
However, the Iroquois recognized a
number of powerful spirits. They believed
they had contact with these spirits through
their dreams. They also believed in the
forces of good and evil. They spoke of the
Master of Life who created the world. They
had several special religious programs
through the year.
The Dream Story
I
f an Iroquois told you of a dream, it was
rude not to provide what he had asked
for in his dream. One day an Iroquois
chief, Shickellamy, was travelling on the
Susquehanna Indian Path with Conrad
Weiser, a man who understood the Iroquois
language. Shickellamy told Conrad, “I have
had a dream. I dreamed you gave me a new
rifle.” Not wishing to be rude, Conrad gave
the chief a new rifle. However, he added, “I,
too, have had a dream. I dreamed that you
gave me that island in the river.” The story
goes that the chief granted Conrad’s wish.
However, Shickellamy said “I will never
dreamwith you again.”
ReviewQuestions
1. Draw the three different shapes of homes built by the Algonquins.
2. How did the Iroquois’ homes and villages differ from the Algonquins?
3. What were the threemost important crops for theNative Americans?
4. What were themain jobs of theNative Americans?
men women children
5. Name three types of clothingmade from deerskin.
6. How did theNative Americans care for their hair?
7. What does itmean to barter?
8. How did fur trading influence theNative Americans?
9. Name two purposes of wampum.
10. Did theNative Americans prefer to travel by land or bywater?
11. Whywas the birch bark canoe superior to the elm bark canoe?
12. How didNative American trails help our road system in Pennsylvania?
