The Wampanoag Tribe Information

This blog will have information on the Wampanoag Tribe, the tribe at the first thanksgiving. Once you read about this tribe, you will feel different about the Native Americans and the first thanksgiving. There were almost 300 members, but only about 90 warriors went with Massasoit, the chief, to the first thanksgiving.


Food

Corn

Beans

Probably one of the most important things in their diet was corn, beans, and squash. These foods are called The Three Sisters. The Indians planted the corn and then the beans so the   beans would have something to grow on and then they would plant the squash and the leaves would spread out and so there would be fewer weeds. Some tribes near the Great Lakes harvested wild rice and/or berries. All year round, they hunted wolf, deer, beaver, skunk, and rabbit. They fished for bass, cod, and eel. At the first thanksgiving, the Wampanoag warriors brought most of the food; corn, beans, squash, and 4 deer.They used every single part of the animal for something.


Religion


Though they worshiped many spirits, the one called the "Great Spirit" was Kehtannit. This spirit has no form at all. There is no gender so I cannot say he or she. This spirit along with many others, is worshiped every night. Other spirits, such as The Spirits of the Sisters were corn, beans, and squash.  The Corn Spirit was tallest and the Bean Spirit sat at her feet. The Squash Spirit spread out and laid around the Corn and Bean Spirits.


Climate  


The heavy rainfall of the Northeast supported the many trees in the area. Almost everything was made out of wood. The snowshoes that the Indians made were crafted from birch, which was very easy to bend. The mild summers were sucked into the long, harsh winters. There was only little time when the leaves would fall and a blast of color would seep into the Native American's hearts, and that was beauty to them. The winters were hard for farming and the Indians would save food before the winter even turned the corner.


Entertainment 


The children did many things to entertain themselves, but so did the adults. The girls would make corn husk dolls and painted their dresses with the paint of fruits and berries. The boys would make hoops and practice their targeting with spears, probably to practice for when they were asked to hunt or fight. The building of a shelter or home was often celebrated after the building by the grown-ups and the children would go play with their friends and family.




Corn photo
Lola_TC's photostream


Beans photo 
ellenm1's photos via Getty Images