The Native American women played a very significant role during the native times. They were not just mothers of the native children. They were craftswomen, farmers, warriors, and builders. Their strength was very important to the tribe’s survival.

What are the roles of the Native American Women?

In general, the Native American women were the ones responsible for gathering materials and building homes for the tribe. They made use of their house’s roof and constructed new houses for everyone to live in. This was a surprising achievement specifically for the women during their time. The native men knew that the women are the source of life. They provide strength and constancy to their lives. The Native American women usually helped the men in hunting buffalo. After capturing the buffalos, the women would skin, cut and cook the animal. Aside from cooking, women also gathered fire woods and repaired clothes and shoes.

Native American women were not just homemakers. As a matter of fact, they functioned on important events and were very vital to the tribe in most ways. Women also made weapons and tools using animal bones which were necessary for the tribe’s survival. There were also medicine women in the tribes who were believed to be better than medicine men in terms of healing power. Medicine women could heal ill souls using their chants and connections to the spirit world. Medicine women used herbs in making healing medicines for sick natives within their tribe.

Moreover, Native American women were good in crafts making. They made beautiful baskets, pottery, and blankets. Jewelry is also their favorite piece of art. Native men and women had mutual respect for each other. Just like in present times, Native American women also tended their husbands and children. Without the women, it would be very hard for the Native Indians to survive.

The Evolution of the Native American Women

The role of the Native American women in their culture varied differently than the roles of European women. The rights of the women also varied according to their tribe but most of them did not have privileges and power compared to the women of the different nation.

There was a misconception that Native American women were thought of a little more than slaves. It is believed that this assumption could be possible because of the submissive type of women in Europe.

The Navajos were conventionally a matrilineal society; meaning affiliations and identity are passed due to the mother. The Cherokee women had a more important role in their daily life. The family ties were said to be from the mother. In addition, the mother was regarded as the head of the family. Family trees are provided as a key to the link, to help people picture these connections.

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