The Seneca Indians
By: Anna Lignelli
Introduction
Section 1
Religious services
Section 2
Language
Section 3
Interactions
Section 4
Clothing
Section 5
Art
Section 6
Essay
Section 7
Dear Diary
Section 8
Glossary
Section 9
Introduction The Seneca Indian tribe is really amazing! They crafted amazing artwork, made stylish clothing, and they were super-skilled hunters! (To find out more, read this eBook!) >>>>>>>
Religious Services The Seneca tribe had a lot of religious services, like the Maple festival, which is to give thanks to the maple trees, and for yielding its sweet waters, and to the Great Spirit, for its gift of the maple trees. The Seneca’s also had 8 clans. In the first Moiety, there where the Bear, Beaver, Turtle, and Wolf; and in the second Moiety, there where the Deer, Hawk, Snipe, and the Heron. Storytelling was also very important to the Seneca culture. Fairytales are most frequently seen. One is the Bear and Turtle race.
Languages Seneca’s also speak their very own Seneca Language. Here are some words you need to know: sgeno (sgay-no) means “hello” or some other friendly greeting. And niyawe (nee-yahwenh) is “thank you”. Seneca language is an endangered language. No one is being taught it anymore except for if they want to. Seneca residents are still trying to keep their language alive.
Interactions Seneca men were fierce and fought mostly with eastern tribes like the Wabunki tribes, the Mohican tribes, the Ojibway tribes, and the Algonquin tribes.
Clothing Most men in the Seneca tribes wore breechcloths with leggings. Men did not wear shirts. But women wore wraparound skirts with short leggings, and a tunic-like top called an overdress (or a kilt). Men, women, and children wore moccasins on their feet. At one point in time, the Seneca’s wore European cloth shirts and blouses, but decorated them. The Seneca’s individually didn’t wear long headdresses, but men wore smaller headdresses. Today, Seneca residents still wear moccasins and different kinds of shirts
decorated with beads, but they wear more modern clothes. They still wear those headdresses……… to special occasions!
Art Seneca’s crafted wampum. Although the white and purple wampum beads where traded, they were more important to the culture then to be traded. They were also known for their face masks, which are considered “sacred art”. They also did beadwork and porcupine quillwork.
Essay The Seneca tribe adapted to their environment because they made clothing, they crafted art to trade, and they were skilled hunters. One way that the Seneca people adapted to their environment is that they made clothing for their clans. For instance, the women where skilled tailors, they (at one point in time) wore European blouses, and they also used less of their cloth because men didn’t wear shirts. The second reason how the Seneca tribe adapted to their environment is that they made art to trade with other tribes. For example, they made wampum to trade with their friends, made face masks to trade, and they also made cloth work to trade. The third reason that the Seneca’s adapted to their environment is that they were good hunters. For instance, they made awesome tools, they were great prowlers, and they had a great aim.
As you can see, the Seneca tribe adapted to their environment by making clothing, crafted art, and they were skilled hunters.
Dear Diary “Virginia, get up!” I heard my Mamie say. It was late at night, and Aba and Gapa where in the room, dressed and ready. I was confused as to why Mamie was taking out my skirt and tunic, and having food, wood, cloth and water all slung in baskets on her arms. Her night clothes, Aba’s and Gapa’s where in the cloth baskets, and she stuffed mine in, too. We all got on our moccasins, and I was pulled out the door in to the dark, gloomy night. Then I could see why we were evacuating. The Ojibway tribe sprinted toward us, and our hunting clan was armed and ready. I found my bow and arrows in the quiver were I left them, and I grabbed them. Augustus 14 We are at camp. I am scared. Terrified. I will go hunting in 6 minutes, and Peaceful Hawk is going with me. Aba and Mamie can’t hunt, and Gapa’s hunting days are over. We retreated across the river
to a place in Michigan. I think its warm for fall here. I must go hunt bear , pig, and bore.
Glossary Moiety-a fancy name for a group Seneca Language-the language that Seneca’s speak Sgeno-(sgay-no) means “hello” or some other friendly greeting Niyawe-(nee-yah-wenh)”thank you” Endangered language- a language that no one is speaking as much any more Breechcloths- a type of pants that men wore in the Seneca religion
Overdress(kilt)- a dress that Seneca woman wore in the Seneca religion Moccasins-fuzzy shoes that were made from animals that men, woman, and children wore on their feet Headdress- a decorated headband that men wore Wampum-the purple and white very common bead work that Seneca people traded and kept Sacred art-art that was linked to religion in the Seneca tribe
The End