Georgias Early Native Tribes and Civilizations Georgias Prehistoric

Georgia’s Early Native Tribes and Civilizations

Georgia’s Prehistoric Time Periods 1. Paleo–Indian Period (10, 000 – 8, 000 B. C. E) 2. Archaic Period (8, 000 – 1, 000 B. C. E. ) a. Early: 8, 000 - 5, 000 B. C. E. b. Middle: 5, 000 - 4, 000 B. C. E. c. Late: 4, 000 – 1, 000 B. C. E. 3. Woodland Period (1, 000 B. C. E - 1, 000 C. E. ) 4. Mississippian Period (1, 000 – 1, 600 C. E. )

Paleo-Indian Period n They were Hunter/Gatherers – Their diet mainly consisted of giant bison, mastodons, giant sloths, small animals, nuts, and wild fruit and vegetables. – They used animal bones and skins to make weapons, clothing and shelter n Also used stones to make tools and spears. – Paleolithic = Old Stone Age n Also invented and used the Atlatl – a tool to throw spears farther

Clovis Points & Atlatl

Paleo-Indian Period (cont. ) n These natives were nomads; they had to constantly move from place to place, and lived in bands (groups) of 25 -50 people – They lived in tents/shelters made from animal skins n Because they moved so much to follow their food, there are not many artifacts left in any one place. – They buried their dead n Their life span (how long you live) was around 30 to 40 years. Why?

Archaic Period n Large game animals became extinct, so the Archaic people began to depend on a combination of hunting, gathering, and fishing. – Deer, bear, rabbits, fish, oysters, reptiles, berries, and fruits. – Discovered horticulture in the Late Period § The science of cultivating plants & trees n Archaic Indians were nomads, but traveled less than Paleo-Indians. – They moved each season to follow food sources – Small groups joined to establish camps

Archaic Period (cont. ) n The Archaic people still used the tools of the Paleo, but their tools also included: choppers, drills, and chipping tools from deer antlers; hooks from animal bones, and a grooved axe made from sticks & stones n Created pottery from moss, grass, and roots – Used to store, cook, and serve food n Possibly believed in an afterlife (religion). – Buried their dead with items that were important in life. Oyster shells or Midden near Augusta

Woodland Period n Part of the Neolithic Period – Neolithic = New Stone Age. n Due to the creation of the bow and arrow, the Woodland people were hunters n Agriculture developed during this period – Grew squash, wild greens, and sunflowers n The development of agriculture caused the development of Tribes – They built dome-shaped huts from small trees

Woodland Period (cont. ) n The Woodland Indians built mounds, made of earth and stone – The mounds contained jewelry, pottery, and other important items n The mounds were used for religious ceremonies & burial purposes. – It is believed that this group was very religious

Mississippian Period n Part of the Neolithic Period n The Natives lived near rivers and grew most of their food (agriculture) – Grew maize (corn), beans, pumpkins, squash – Also hunted and fished n Tools – they used tools of the earlier periods but they invented farming tools as well. n Lived in large villages with mounds. – Protected by moats & palisades (wooden fences) n Had a “government” led by a Chief

Mississippian Period (cont. ) n Mounds were created for religious purposes – to bury the dead and store ceremonial items with the dead n Mounds built near the Etowah River (Cartersville), and the Ocmulgee River in south Georgia

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