Plains+People

Environment & Resources
Inhabited the interior plains. Suffered from cold wether in the area, especially in the winter, as well as the short summers. But benefitted from the resources in the area such as animals and vegetation. They all had a lot of food to eat, since there were many resources available. Men hunted buffalo,deer,elk, & antelope that roamed in abundance. Wild berries and plants completed the diet.

Technology
Mainly used animal bones, horns, wood, stones, and other resources to build simple technology such as clubs, cooking pots, etc.

Economic Needs
Food came mainly from animals they would hunt or trap. The hunters were mainly men, while the women commonly prepared the food. They lived in tipi tents, which are small but portable, making them great for a tribe that would frequently relocate.

Political Needs
Bands:Political groups (either gens or clans) Gens:Membership is enherited through the father. Clans:Found in matrilineal societies Extended families: Includes cousins,aunts,uncles,grandparents, & great grandparents, not just parents and brothers and sisters. The Plains People were governed by a tribal council consisting of both men and women.

Social Needs
Children and Elders were very important in the society.Children were important because they were the ones who continued the society. Elders were highly respected for their great knowledge of the bands history,customs, & traditions.

Spiritual Needs
The Plains People believed very strongly in the importance of sharing and generosity. They believed that everything on Earth was sacred and was to be respected. They also didn't believe in private ownership of land, and therefore did not claim any. The Circle was greatly sacred. They belived it was the perfect shape. Perfectly balanced, all parts had the same strength, & it had no beginning and no end. Percieved that many things in their lives were based on the Circle: the cycle of the day, the four great winds, the phases of the moon, the seasons, and the cycle of life and death.