Native American Word Lives

The difference in Indian and English lifestyles resulted in a forced coexistence and substantial changes in each way of life; however, much of the two seemingly very conflicting lifestyles had a basis of similarity as well. As Indians and Europeans learned and borrowed from each other, they developed and adopted new ways of life that were beneficial and almost necessary to both cultures.

As far back as 30,000 BC, Indian cultures were nomadic, moving from place to place due to their hunting and gathering lifestyle. They hunted with stone spears on wooden shafts, and used the animals' resources for food, clothing and even weapons. As the culture grew older and developed new ways of thinking, the Indians created small farming communities, allowing them to settle down in one place for longer periods of time. As the Indian culture progressed and quickly developed, there was much change and discovery, but the biggest was when they met the English colonial settlers. Both Indian and English cultures evolved because of this cultural contact between the natives and Europeans.

Trade was a big relation involving the Indian and English communities. For the Indians, trade was a form of cementing alliances, making and keeping friendships, and preventing trouble and conflict. For English settlers, trade was merely an activity used to create a direct route for European colonists to incorporate their items and goods into the society. At first, Indian peoples looked at the Europeans with awe because of the new technologies they brought with them, but soon they began to adapt the new items into their own lives. They accepted European goods because these goods helped make their life easier and provided more efficient ways to complete certain tasks. They also began to make their own versions of European goods as well. On the flip side, Indian crafts, such as basket-making, wood-carving and beadworking all were influenced by European demand. They also adapted items manufactured Indian items into their material culture, such as Indian baskets and bowls.

Europeans viewed hunting as a gentleman's sport, and most English settlers who hunted did so as poachers. Indians hunting culture was a form of survival , which the Europeans quickly realized that this was a necessary activity for survival in their new world.

Women's way of life also shared similarities and differences between the Indian and European cultures. Colonial women were secondary to their husbands, and only had independence in their relationships with other women. They would exchange goods, such as clothes and jewelry, or even exchange services, such as caring for the sick and elderly

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