About the Delaware Indians
When the first settlers arrived in the New World, they met Indians who called themselves the Lenape or "The People." The Europeans changed the Lenape name to Delaware, because they lived on this river. The river, and later the state, was named after Lord de la Warr. He was the Jamestown colony governor. After giving up their land in treaties, the Delaware Indians were moved to Ohio, then to Indiana, Missouri, Kansas and finally to Oklahoma, where they live today. There are about 16,000 Lenape presently remaining.
Identification
The Lenape named themselves by the location of their village. Those who resided on land near the Delaware Bay and ocean were called Unalachtigo, or "the people who live near the ocean." The natives who lived farther up on the river were named the Unami, or "the up river people." The Minsi or Munsi, "the people from the stony country," settled in the Delaware Indian's northern area. The natives' land covered all of New Jersey, the eastern part of Pennsylvania, southeastern lands of New York, the northern area of Delaware and part of southeastern Connecticut. When settlers arrived, some Indians were dwelling together in larger settlements with 200 to 300 people, but most lived in smaller groups of about 25.
When the Delaware Indians signed treaties for their land with the settlers, they considered them leases. They did not realize that land could be bought, since it was owned by the Creator. The Lenape believed they were fortunate to have this land to help protect their people. The Indians gladly shared their land with the Europeans. The new arrivals gave a token amount in return, which they thought was the price of the land, but the Lenape just saw this as a "thank you." The Indians were never repaid for this "gift" to the Europeans.
Significance
The Delaware Indians recognized the importance of family, and the bonds between parents and their sons and daughters were very strong. The families made up the three matriarchal Lenape clans: wolf, turtle and turkey, consisting of a head matron, her siblings, children and daughter's children. The sons wed women from other clans, and their children became part of the wife's clan. The clans were governed by chiefs, who were knowledgeable in their religious ceremonies and were known for their speaking skills, honesty, wise decision-making and overall commendable behavior. The war leaders competed for power through their brave acts and battle outcomes. They enlisted younger Lenapes for raids, and did not request the chief's consent. The people within the clans were very supportive of all members and felt responsible to care for one another.
Prevention/Solution
The Delaware Indians divided labor between the men and women. Children began learning their responsibilities when they were very young. The Delaware Indians used the abundant materials in their environment and made tools from shells, wood, stone and bone. Women planted and harvested the crops and found seeds and fruit for the family meals. Their crafts included clay pots, rush mats, baskets, cornhusk slippers and dolls, and wooden containers. The women also cleaned and sewed the animal hides, so they would be ready for clothing and shelter. The men readied the land for planting and made the homes. They hunted for a variety of game and fished in the nearby river and streams. They made varied tools, bows and arrows, fishing nets, wooden canoes, bowls and ladles.
Types
The Lenape lived in bark homes. First, they built a rectangular or oval-shaped frame out of trees. They next covered this foundation with large pieces of bark. In the warmer months, they used reed mats. In the southern region, their houses were primarily for one extended family. In the north, larger multi-family homes housed several related groups.
In the warmer weather, the men wore a deerskin breechcloth and moccasins. In the colder temperatures, they also put on leggings and deerskin and fur robes. The men also carried an ornate pocketed bag over their shoulders. Similarly, the women were dressed in a deerskin skirt and moccasins. Turkey-feather capes were sometimes worn by males and females.
Function
When a boy turned 18, he had to prove his bravery in an initiation. He also planned his wedding with the chief, friends and family. The groom gave a bone to the bride, indicating that he would provide for his family. In return, the bride gave him an ear of corn to symbolize her responsibilities of growing and making the food. Their marriage vows were made for their lifetime. They then celebrated with a large meal with venison, turkey, corn, and berries, while listening to celebratory music from a water drum, flute and gourds.
.
Related posts
About the Chitimacha IndiansThe Chitimacha were comprised of a confederation, or group of smaller tribes, that shared cultural similarities. Originally, they lived in the Mississippi Delta region...
The Kiowa Indians are one of the lesser known Plains Indian tribes. However, their history and culture are both interesting and beautiful, and thus contain vital elements of the tribe's personal i...
Wild West towns were not as violent as the myths surrounding them.Myths and legends about the frontier West and the cowboys and Indians who lived there are an ingrained part of the American narrat...
The Cherokee Indians pre-dated European settlers in the U.S. They continue on today, keeping alive the traditions and values of the original tribe. The Cherokee Indians today are made up of three...
Cherokee citizens today sometimes live on Native American territories.The Cherokee Native Americans used to inhabit the southern United States in areas now recognized as Tennessee, Kentucky, Georg...
