Longhouses
Longhouses were places for people who planned on staying in one area for long periods of time. They were narrow buildings with arched roofs. Located at the ends of the longhouses were low porches that covered the doorways. Most longhouses were usually between 18-67 metres long and 6.1 metres high. Some were even as long as 122 metres!
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Clothing
The clothing they wore were originally made of buckskin, chiefly deer and many other animals. It consisted of shirts, pants, robes, capes and leggings. Men wore breechcloths which were long rectangular piece of deerskin, cloth or animal fur that is worn between the legs and tucked over a belt so that the flap falls down in front and behind. Meanwhile, women wore skirts and robes that were made from deer skin as well as overdresses and moccasins.
Headdresses worn by men called gustowehs were to represent different tribes. It is formed with a wood frame and feathers, however each tribe has a different number of upright feathers. On the other hand, women would wear unique beaded tiaras. Their hair was either plaited into a long braid or left long and loose. Only in times of mourning do they cut their hair. |
Food
The Iroquois' diet consisted mainly of corn, beans and squash. Corn, beans and squash were "The Three Sisters." To the people, they believed it was the physical and spiritual sustainers of life therefore they hold six festivals each year to say prayers of thanks to their gods. Wild nuts, fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, and eggs laid by turtles and birds were often eaten if meat was scarce. They used sunflowers to make sunflower oil to fry food.
The Iroquois were one of the first people to tap maple trees and harvest maple syrup. They had such a sweet tooth and were lucky since there were an abundance of maple trees. Maple sugar is popular in many foods.
Meat was also a large part of the diet. It provided them strength and allowed them to endure harsh winters. Black bear, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and many more animals were killed with bows and arrows. They didn't waste any part of an animal and the unwanted parts were made into tools, spoons, knives, and other household items.
The Iroquois were one of the first people to tap maple trees and harvest maple syrup. They had such a sweet tooth and were lucky since there were an abundance of maple trees. Maple sugar is popular in many foods.
Meat was also a large part of the diet. It provided them strength and allowed them to endure harsh winters. Black bear, elk, deer, rabbits, wolves and many more animals were killed with bows and arrows. They didn't waste any part of an animal and the unwanted parts were made into tools, spoons, knives, and other household items.