The Mohawk Indians

By Samantha Kay Long, Elysia Catherine Simmers, and Alan Fernando Morales

Mohawk Famous Leaders

Joseph Brant, also known as “Thayendagegea” or he who places two bets.

Discovered that the Indians were buying faulty guns from the white people

Was a tribe, or war leader, leader on the British side during the American War of Independence.

Met with the king of England on 2 different occasions.

A dinner was held in his honor.

Mohawk ClothingIn the summer, most children under the age of 14

went completely naked.Boys and men over the age of 14 wore a type of

loin cloth. Woman and girls over the age of 14 wore a knee

length skirt.Neither sexes wore shirts.

Mohawk Recreational ActivitiesGirls played with corn husk dolls that either their

mothers or fathers made for them.Older boys and men played a type of lacrosseYoung boys tried to throw a dart through a

moving hoopHunting and fishing was very popularTelling legends

Mohawk LanguageMost Mohawks speak English nowadays.Native language is called “Mohawk

Language.Very complex

Some Mohawk words:“She-Kan” (Shay-cone) -Friendly greeting.“Nia:wen” (nee-ah-wenh) -Thank you.

Mohawk’s Home LifeLived together in longhouses.Women were counted as equals in their

society.What women did: Tended gardens, harvested

crops, raised kids, made clothing, cooked food.

What men did: Cleared fields, built and repaired longhouses, hunted and traded

Mohawks Food and FarmingFood was considered “Special gifts from the

provider”.Tools used for farming: wooden rake and

spadesMain crops: Corn, beans, squash, pumpkins,

melons, and tobaccoGathered: Wild nuts, veggies, fruits,

mushrooms, eggsKilled: black bears, elk, rabbit, deer, wolves,

wild turkey, and ducks *No part of the animal was wasted!!*