The Nez Percé

The Plains Indians of Washington

Geography 9000 years ago • Columbia Plateau is near Columbia River• Most of the areas that had been covered with ice

during the glacial period had returned to forests• There are some rugged mountains• Provided natural resources needed to live• Climates include very hot summers and very cold

winters• Precipitation is limited throughout the year• There were many floods which eroded the land over

time

ELK

DEER

WILD

CARROTS

WILD STRAWBERRIES

POTATOES

RASPBERRIES

SUNFLOWER SEEDS

FOOD

SALMON

Chiefs headdress

Headdress

Shirt

Leggings

Belt

Moccasins

Belt

Dress

Clothing

The Nez Perce and Religion: Washat

Seven Drums Religion (Washat)

Spiritual or religious?

Deep connection between the people and the earth.

Honored their creator with everything they did.

Most traditional Native American faith.

Still exists today

The Trickster Coyote and the Monster

Traditions and Customs• Concentrated largely on three types of dances with lesser types• Scalp dance, Wee’kwetset dance, Winter dance• Many percussion instruments, including several kinds of drums• Vocals and instruments accompanied ceremonial dances• Rites of passage similar to 7 Sacraments of Christianity• Spirit journey taken during adolescence; wyakin was the goal• Melting pot of cultures due to large area of movement

Work/ Labor

Spear Fishing

Nez Perce national park

Buffalo hunting

Gathering berries

Travois

The Nez Perce were originally nomadic people that followed the buffalo herds.

Social Organization And Family Life

• Lived in Pacific Northwest.• Men and the women were mostly equal.• Men were mostly warriors and hunters.• Women had the stereotypical roles of cleaning and cooking.• They lived in bands, which broke into smaller bands, which created villages.• One headsman per village, he was also a shaman and religious leader(healer).• Bands were made of several related families.• Council made of important warriors and band leaders.• Women were highly respected.• Women were able to make decisions, heal, and be part of the council.• But, they could not lead, only make their voice heard.• Elders were also highly respected and valued.• They taught grandchildren everyday life lessons, and were skilled healers.