The Seneca Tribe

The Seneca tribe lived in big forests. Like other Native Americans, the Seneca people had special names, such as Running Rabbit, Man-Who-Likes-Berries, and Tall Feather. One boy was called Fleet Foot because he was a fast runner. When he was younger, his name was Handsome Baby. People could change names as they grew if a new name suited them better.

Seneca men were good hunters and warriors. Children practiced shooting with small bows and arrows from a young age. When they were older, they went hunting in the nearby woods.

All hunters and warriors learned to be brave and never show fear. They practiced swimming, running, wrestling, and even going without food.

Hunters had rules. One rule said that no one could hunt for themselves only. Everyone hunted together for the whole tribe. Before hunting, they washed carefully because wild animals can smell humans and run away if they smell people.

In the woods, hunters hid near paths that deer made. They had to be very quiet and patient. Deer were important for the tribe. Each person sometimes ate four pounds of meat in a day. But deer were used for more than food. They made clothes from the hide and arrowheads from the antlers.

Seneca women worked hard. They baked bread, cooked meat over the fire, and sewed clothes. They made warm blankets for winter from rabbit skin. Women also grew corn and beans. While working, they sang songs to help them.

In summer, everyone worked outdoors. In winter, they stayed in their houses and worked near the fire in the center of the room. Seneca houses were made of tree bark on strong posts. Roofs had holes to let smoke out. Older people told stories by the fire. Some stories were true, others were myths or fairy tales, but they helped explain the world.