Our Native Crafts

Over the last two weeks the little ones and I have been working on our history lessons and craft fun. My eldest wanted to do her own so the little ones and I ventured off on a quest to bring history alive. We have been learning about the discovery of America and our Natives. We are enjoying learning about their lifestyles, how they hunted, what they ate and their housing. 

Not all tribes lived or ate the same thing. Some lived in Hutts, Teepees part of the year, wigwams, rectangular bark houses other wise known as a longhouses and other types of homes. Some tribes shared housing with multiple families. Some tribes ate various kinds of fish either all year or part of the year and some filled on various berries, nuts, bugs, bears, deer, elk, rabbits, reptiles, bison and various other animals. Each tribe hunted with similar to same hunting items like spears, blow gun (made from cane), bow and arrows, they used traps or clubs. It has been neat learning about our natives, of course I say this every year. Lol. I always enjoy lessons that are about our history and especially those related to pioneer living. :) I believe our natives and our ancestors lifestyles are interesting on so many levels. 

Along in our learning we were able to add to our collection of native items we have made ourself. Over the years we have made a tomahawk, moccasins, beaded jewelry and a few other items.  

Here are a few things we did in the past. (sorry it is sideways)

This year we added to our collection by making the following items you will see below:

1. Dream Catcher
2. Knife Holder
3. Talking Feather
4. Proud Hunter's Necklace

If I sat the items above in front of you, would you know what each item was used for?

What was the purpose of the talking feather? Lol, I love this thing. The talking feather was used in many native cultures during the tribal council. Only the person holding the talking feather was allowed to talk. Until the talking feather was handed off to another, everyone had to sit patiently and wait their turn. Thus meaning there was not tolerance for interruptions. O I see this as a weapon in our house. ROFLOL. :)

Why are the colors important to the natives?  Natives believed that colors held special symbolism.  Here are a few charts that note colors and their meanings.  You can also read more about the beads and what each color symbolizes by clicking here. 

As you can see we have been pretty busy this month learning about the founding of this country, our native and we will continue on in our journey and wrap up on Tuesday, with the First Thanksgiving. (all before we break until the following week.) I hope your week has been going well and your studies are as fun as they can be.

Happy Schooling!