Mina P.O. U.S.

History I/8 January 24, 2014 American Indian Compare and Contrast I have chosen two different American Indian tribes to learn about. American Indians are often unjustifiably thought of as all the same. Really, each and every Native American tribe has its specific history and tradition that separates it from other tribes. The two tribes that I have picked are from different regions, have different customs, yet also share some similarities. The first tribe I researched is the Wampanoag tribe. The other is the Apache. I have discovered a myriad of fascinating things about their differences and likenesses regarding everyday life, customs, and traditions. The Wampanoag tribe is better known than the Apache, but even so, they have some interesting facts that not many have heard of. They lived in the Eastern Woodland region. To carry young children, Cradleboards were used. A baby swaddled in a small blanket is mounted on a wooden plank with straps made of leather. They harvested "The Three Sisters:" squash, corn, and beans. The Wampanoag were the tribe present at Plymouth Rock when pilgrims arrived, and were at the supposed First Thanksgiving. Later on, most of the Wampanoag were killed by disease and attacks brought on by the settlers from Europe. The second tribe I chose to research is the Apache. Enemy is the literal translation of Apache, but the Apache called themselves Ndee, the people. They had thirteen separate (sub) tribes. Because other tribes that lived in the Great Plains had opposing languages, they used a sort of universal sign language to communicate. The Apache had unique mythology that was passed on by word of mouth. One story was about the invention of fire. I also found a Mojave-Apache myth that was about a flood. I came upon many differences between the two tribes. One difference was that kneelength skirts were the main clothing for the Wampanoag, but the Apache had different apparel for each gender. Women wore buckskin dresses and men wore leather shirts and breechcloths.

Basketry was a common craft for the Apache, but the Wampanoag were more accustomed to beading and woodcarving. For transportation, the Apache mostly walked everywhere because they were always on the move (nomadic). Being a permanent tribe, the Wampanoag used dogs for pack animals and made canoes for fishing. They lived in sturdy wigwams, and the Apache lived in similar, but less substantial dwellings called wikiups. For families constantly moving, teepees made out of buffalo hide were more practical. Even though the two tribes each have their own special traits and practices, they also have a few things in common. Both the Wampanoag and Apache speak a language specific to their tribe. The Apache language is quite similar to Navajo. They both had folktales that were passed on by word of mouth. For hunting, bows and arrows were commonly used. Because the Old and New Worlds hadn't met, horses had never been seen. Each tribe had specific duties for women, men, and children. The women and children were supposed to harvest and farm for seeds, fruit, vegetables, and grains, while, men hunted for small game. These tribes had different clothing, but they both wore leather moccasins for shoes. These two tribes are each one-of-a-kind regarding their exclusive crafting, clothing, and lifestyles. Even so, they are also noticeably similar in terms of shoe-wear, hunting and gathering practices, and tools that were used. In conclusion, it is apparent that the stereotype that says that all American Indians are the same is not correct. Just as all people (in the past and present) from the same continent share certain things but not others, these tribes share similarities and many differences as well.