The Algonquin
Way of Life
Where they
lived: The native Mainers were mostly from the Algonquin and Wabinaki tribes.
They lived along the Penobscot and Kennebec Rivers,
usually at the mouth of the rivers. They also settled along Passamoquoddy
Bay, which is in the eastern most part of Maine. They settled near the
water for food and resources.
Shelters: They built wigwams for shelter. Wigwams are cone shaped building made with sticks. They used that style because of the winds along the ocean. There was a hole in the roof so that fresh air could get in and smoke from the cooking fires could get out. They were covered with animal skins, birch bark, grass, reeds, or corn husks which were woven together in mats. The Algonquin women were in charge of building the wigwams
Another form of shelter was a dome shaped hut. The Native Americans who settled inland used these types of shelter because they had protection from the trees in the trees in the forest.
Food: The
Algonquins used their environment and never wasted anything. Some of the
food they gathered were oysters, clams, and fish. They also gathered and
ate berries. They also grew corn and beans. The seeds were planted in mounds
of dirt , fertilized with fish. They would plant three kernels of corn
and one kidney bean in each mound. The bean plant would curl around the
corn stalks as it grew to support the stalks of corn. The corn and beans
were called NEW WORLD crops. The people collected maple sap and made it
into maple sugar. We use the same method of maple sugaring today. They
also hunted elk, moose, and deer. Game of any size was very useful because
they could use it for decoration, shelter, clothing and warmth, and toys
and tools.
Tools: Their lives depended on how well they hunted. They hunted with their bow and arrow that they made. They also used stone axes for cutting and knifes made out of animal bones. When they planted their crops they used oyster shells and antlers to dig up the soil. To clear the land for crops they had to burn the trees at their stumps until they fell over.
Family Life: When men and women would get married the man would give the women a bone and she would give him an ear of corn which promised that she would plant food for her husband and family. The women and children did all the planting and harvesting.
By Derek & Shawnee