About the Narragansett Indians

The Narragansett Indians are a Northern Native American people, who once occupied what is now the state of Rhode Island. There were around 10,000 people in their tribe in the 1600's.
The Narragansett were considered the warriors of their region, often going to war with neighboring tribes to gain land. Their tribe consisted of eight groups, each having their own chief. These chiefs answered to a single lead chief.

History

Oral history and archaeological findings place the Narragansetts on North American soil as long as 30,000 years ago.
When Narragansett lands were first colognized by the English in the early 1600's, they had good relations with the colonizers. This changed during King Philip's War, 1675-1676. During this war, the Narragansett tribes tried to limit the colonization of their land. The English and their Indian allies wiped out over 20% of the Narragansett tribe in a single battle of this war, known as the Great Swamp Fight.
The diseases brought by the colonists affected many neighboring tribes of the Narragansett, who'd managed to escape its grip. The weakened state of their neighbors allowed the Narragansett to take over the neighboring territories.

Function

A typical day for a Narragansett Indian was spent tending corn crops, their main staple. They also spent time picking berries and gathering plants and nuts. In the fall they harvested corn, squash and beans. The Narragansett were excellent hunters, capturing and killing wildlife to supplement their diet. They killed deer, turkeys and small game, and caught fish. Narragansett Indian meals frequently consisted of soups, cornbread and stews.
Narragansett families lived in wigwams. Canoes were their primary means of transportation, and they spent a lot of time hollowing out logs to build them. When the seasons changed, they moved where food was most available. This meant living near the coast in the summer and inland during winter. The Narragansett used snowshoes, sleds and dogs as pack animals when traveling in colder months.

Features

The Narragansett were skilled in the craft of beadwork and basketweaving. To engage in trade, they made wampum (money) out of shell-beads. Wampum was used like money, but it was also considered an art material. Wampum belts had pictures, which tell often told a unique family story.
The Northeastern Indian tribes engaged each other in trade of these products.

Identification

Narragansett is an Algonkian language, spoken by both the Narragansett and Nipmuc native American tribes. Their language has not been spoken natively for over a hundred years.
Kautantowit is a word in Narraganset that means "Great Spirit". It is the Narragansett name for God. Narragansett believe that Kautantowit is a divine spirit without human form of any kind.
Narragansett people begin each day by giving thanks to Kautantowit. They pick out a particular tree they go to for prayer, and leave behind an offering of sacred red cloth.
The Narragansett have a history living in balance with the Earth. They believe Kautantowit provides everything they need.

Potential

Today, the Narragansett Indians live on a reservation in Rhode Island. The Narragansett tribe has its own government, with it unique set of laws laws. However, the Narragansett are citizens of the United States as well, and must follow American laws.
Rhode Island illegally detribalized the Narragansett in 1880, causing the tribe to lose 3200 acres of land. They were left with only two acres and a church.
Since then, tribal members have been trying to regain the land stolen from them. In 1934, the Indian Reorganization Act established the Narragansett as a distinct people. However, no land was returned. After a lawsuit in 1978, the Narragansett finally regained 2000 acres, and in 1983 they at last achieved federal recognition.
Each summer, the Narragansett people congregate on the reservation for August Meeting. This is historical occasion, is also religious, and includes a feast, drumming, singing and games.