Period+5+Algonquin





=Dwellings =

Written by Megan
The Algonquins lived in [|wigwams and longhouses]. Wigwams were generally 14 feet wide, 10 feet high, and 20 feet long. Several Algonquin families would live in a one roomed wigwam at a time. The Algonquins would make homemade fires inside there wigwams, so there had to be a hole at the top. A typical Algonquin village, consisted of many scattered wigwams. The wigwams were made out of reed mats, or animal hide, and were covered with either elm or birch bark. The Algonquins would drive small branches and saplings into the ground to make these wigwams. In temporary hunting camps, women would make small wigwams for the men to hide in. The wigwams were made for things other then homes, like council house and burial houses. These wigwams were an important part of the Algonquin lifestyle.

=Lifestyle =

Written by Julia
The Algonquians Indians were forest hunters. They also were farmers and fishermen. They also carved birch bark to write about their dreams, memories and ceremonies. The Algonquians had a creative lifestyle because they would make dream catchers. Dream catchers were hung near beds. “According to legend, the Dream Catcher catches all dreams, good and bad. Bad dreams are trapped in the web until dawn and burn up; good dreams find their way to the hole in the center and flow into the feathers, where they stay until dreamed another night.” (Carl Waldman "Dream Catcher." Word Dance: The Language of Native American Culture. New York: Facts On File, Inc., 1994.) The [|Wampanoag] dream catchers were made of [|birch bark]. The dream catchers had webbing inside of a loop. The loop was made from many different kinds of wood, usually red willow. “Dream catchers were typical of Northeast Indians and Plains Indians.” (Carl Waldman.) Another reason that we know their lifestyle was creative is that they used quill work. Porcupine quills were used. It is usually done on leather, birch bark, and especially on animal skins. It was found on clothing, bags, and pipes. The quills were softened in water or in their mouths and were colored with dyes. They were applied as a cutout design.



= Algonquians’ Religion =

Written by Liza
The Algonquian tribe has an interesting religion, with many traditions and great culture. Just like Bar/Bat Mitzvahs in the Jewish religion, the Algonquians have a coming of age tradition. The father takes the kids into the forest for about three days. They stay there until they find their spirit guide who will guide them through the rest of there life. They believe in the “[|Great Spirit of Manitou].” Manitou,or the Great Spirit, is found in all things—animals, plants, water, rocks, and other natural things. Shamans were people who were known to control these spirits. Not all tribes believed in Manitou, but they all believed in some sort of guardian spirit. They celebrated by dancing, drumming, and singing. Manitous have other names, such as Thunderbird, Bringer of Rain. The Algonquians’ religion was full of many rituals and traditions.