The Arapaho tribe were affected by continued expansion to the west, despite the fact that they were more interested in trading than fighting against Americans. Today Arapahos live in two separate tribes, both recognized by the United States government as sovereign nations. The Southern Arapaho live in Oklahoma together with the Southern Cheyenne. The Northern Arapaho fled to Wyoming where they were granted land by the Soshone, their former enemies, and they still live there with them today. They are all regarded as United States citizens and subject to its laws even though they have their own governments, laws, police and services.
Many Indians speak English today. One of the consequences of the merging of tribes is that the individual languages have became increasingly endangered and the children are no longer learning them. However, there are those dedicated to keeping the Arapaho language alive.
When the tribes were introduced to horses, they quickly learned how to ride and could cover great distances at speed. This meant that they were more productive when it came to hunting and trading. Their horses became very important to them and they abandoned growing corn in favor of moving around and following the great herds of buffalo that roamed the plains.
In calving season, the herds would congregate and this was an opportunity to hunt them successfully. It was also a time to hold ceremonies. Rutting season in the fall was another opportunity to hunt communally and gather enough provisions and hides for the winter months. Throughout the year, the men would hunt smaller game with their bows and arrows while the woman foraged for plants and berries.
Buffalo hides were used to build teepees. The women used to scrape, tan, sew and decorate these hides. A favorite tool was a scraper made from the horn of an elk and the hide was stitched with an awl and animal sinew. Teepees were made to be set up and broken down quickly as tribes moved from place to place.
The clothing worn by men and women was also made from animal hides. The men would wear a breach-cloth and leggings while the women wore buckskin dresses. Both sexes braided their hair and the men decorated their heads with feathers. They both wore moccasins and robes made of buffalo hide. On special occasions, faces were painted with bright colors.
It was the job of the women to make the teepee and domestic goods. The men made and decorated the implements used for hunting, ceremonies, war and horse care. Dyed porcupine quills, beads and paint were used for decorations. These decorative skills are still evident.
Today, teepees are only put up for fun or to connect with their heritage, but most Indians live in houses with all the modern conveniences. They wear modern clothing and only bring out their ceremonial dress on special occasions. However, this does not mean they have forgotten their history and many of them still proudly maintain their traditions.
Many Indians speak English today. One of the consequences of the merging of tribes is that the individual languages have became increasingly endangered and the children are no longer learning them. However, there are those dedicated to keeping the Arapaho language alive.
When the tribes were introduced to horses, they quickly learned how to ride and could cover great distances at speed. This meant that they were more productive when it came to hunting and trading. Their horses became very important to them and they abandoned growing corn in favor of moving around and following the great herds of buffalo that roamed the plains.
In calving season, the herds would congregate and this was an opportunity to hunt them successfully. It was also a time to hold ceremonies. Rutting season in the fall was another opportunity to hunt communally and gather enough provisions and hides for the winter months. Throughout the year, the men would hunt smaller game with their bows and arrows while the woman foraged for plants and berries.
Buffalo hides were used to build teepees. The women used to scrape, tan, sew and decorate these hides. A favorite tool was a scraper made from the horn of an elk and the hide was stitched with an awl and animal sinew. Teepees were made to be set up and broken down quickly as tribes moved from place to place.
The clothing worn by men and women was also made from animal hides. The men would wear a breach-cloth and leggings while the women wore buckskin dresses. Both sexes braided their hair and the men decorated their heads with feathers. They both wore moccasins and robes made of buffalo hide. On special occasions, faces were painted with bright colors.
It was the job of the women to make the teepee and domestic goods. The men made and decorated the implements used for hunting, ceremonies, war and horse care. Dyed porcupine quills, beads and paint were used for decorations. These decorative skills are still evident.
Today, teepees are only put up for fun or to connect with their heritage, but most Indians live in houses with all the modern conveniences. They wear modern clothing and only bring out their ceremonial dress on special occasions. However, this does not mean they have forgotten their history and many of them still proudly maintain their traditions.
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