Their Religion
Overall, Native Americans worshiped nature and
believed in one “Great Spirit.” It was necessary for
the Algonquians to kill animals, but their religion
revolved around nature and animals. Algonquians
thought the spirits of animals were very powerful.
They also felt that if they treated the dead animal’s
bones with respect, the slain animal would not be
angry. For example, fish bones were thrown back into
the water. Skulls of land animals were hung in
special lodges andmade the object of prayers.
Religion wasmore of an individual matter for the
Algonquians.
The Iroquois, however, recognized a number of
powerful spirits with which they could have contact
through dreams. They also acknowledged the forces
of good and evil. They spoke of theMaster of Life,
who created the world, and his brother, who
constantly planned to destroy theMaster’s
creations. They had several special ceremonies
through the year.
L
ET
’
S
R
EVIEW
1. Approximately howmany years ago did Native
Americans enter the North American continent?
2. Fromwhich continent do some historians believe
Native Americans originated?
3.Why is it hard to get a totally accurate picture of how
Native Americans lived?
4. By what cultural means were themany tribes of
Pennsylvania classified?
5.Who were the twomajor Native American groups?
6.Where weremost of the Iroquois tribes located? The
Algonquians?
7. How did the Native American groups in Pennsylvania
govern themselves?
8.Why do you think the women of the EasternWoodland
tribes selected council members and chiefs?
9. Describe three different types of homes built by the
Native Americans.
10.How did Iroquois homes and villages differ from those
of the Algonquians?
11.What happened to an Iroquois husband when he
became too old to care for himself?
12.What were themajor roles of Native Americanmen,
women, and children?
13.What types of clothing weremade fromdeerskin?
14.How didmen and women take care of their hair?
15.Under what economic systemdid Pennsylvania’s
Native Americans operate to obtain their goods and
services?
16.Out of what material was the better canoemade?
17.Identify four different types of trailsmade by Native
Americans.
18.What was the general rule for Native Americans lost in
the forest?
19.What were twomajor differences in religious beliefs
between the Algonquians and the Iroquois?
C
HALLENGE
Q
UESTIONS
1. If you were choosing a leader, what specific qualities
would you want himor her to possess?
2.Why do you think that by 1800, only 1,000 Native
Americans remained in Pennsylvania?
Native Americans worshipped nature and believed in
one “Great Spirit.” Tribal worship often included
dancing and singing, and included strong connections
to plants, animals, the water, and the earth.
26
Understanding Pennsylvania
