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<< back to The Archaeology of Missouri
Debunking
Those Lingering Myths
about American Indians
H.W. "Pete" Peterson
Considering the exciting images we conjure up about Indians, it could be downright disappointing to learn that most Indian beliefs we've had for years are nothing more than myths. In view of our rich Native-American heritage, it is only natural that many of us have developed an interest in Indians, which is fueled by finding arrowheads in our gardens and elsewhere. Now, if we could only translate this rich heritage into a true body of knowledge for everyone to enjoy.
For example, the most common myth concerns the color of an Indian's skin. Actually, their skin color ranged from yellowish tan to very nearly chocolate brown. However, Indians who met early explorers or other prominent visitors put on their best red paint when they greeted strangers. This was such a common practice that uninitiated Europeans came to the conclusion that Indians had red skin, a fallacy that persists today. Another common misconception is that all Indians lived in tepees. While this was true of the Plains Indians, the shelters used by Indians in other parts of the country varied considerably.
It is also a surprise for many to learn that Indians have been roaming
the Americas for thousands of years. People generally think in terms
of Indians having been here for hundreds of years, but nothing like
12,000 or 13,000 years or longer.
In fact, it is not unusual to find projectile points that are 10,000-9,000
years old.
A related presumption is that most of the projectile points we find are arrowheads, not realizing that the bow and arrow didn't come into existence until the Late Woodland period, around 1,600-1,100 years ago. As a result, most of the projectile points we pick up never saw the end of an arrow. Some of these older points, particularly the larger ones, were most likely used as tools such as knives, scrapers, or, in some instances, spear points. The smaller points could have been dart points which were used with the atlatl. This latter weapon came into general use during the Dalton period, or perhaps bit earlier. It consisted of a throwing stick which was used to hurl a small spear with a dart in the end tipped with a stone or bone point.
The atlatl was a formidable weapon and allowed the hunter to throw a small spear and dart with much greater force and distance than possible with a conventional spear. However, the projectile points that were used with the bow and arrow were much smaller than dart points, usually not more than an inch or an inch and a half long. Most arrowhead hunters refer to these very small points as bird points, not realizing they were used to kill bigger game such as deer as well as large birds.
Another misconception is that when many projectile points are
found in a field there must have been a battle. If so, it
must have been
a long
battle, indeed. In such situations, it is not unusual for
the estimated ages of such points to range from 1,000 to 10,000
years.
Similarly,
stone axes found in a field are commonly referred to as tomahawks
and again
associated with battles. Although these axes could have been
used as weapons, it is much more likely they were used for
such functions
as
cutting trees.
How projectile points were manufactured is also fraught with misconceptions. For example, some say the flint was first heated and then flaked by drops of cold water. Nonsense! Although flint that was less than top grade was easier to work when heat treated, initial flaking was accomplished first by roughing out the point with a hammer stone and finished by pressure flaking with something like a deer antler. In recent years, flint knappers have increased in number and become almost too good at their hobby or trade.
Yet another misconception concerns the head dress worn by Indians. Many invariably associate Indians with pictures of Plains Indians wearing eagle feather war bonnets. However, drawings and descriptions Indians made by early explorers bear no resemblance to the Plains tribes.
Perhaps the most disturbing myth is that the Indians were basically a savage and barbaric people. The atrocity stories and propaganda used against the Indians have permeated our fiction and movies.
Fortunately, the true picture is beginning to emerge, both concerning their lifestyles and the contributions they have made to our society as we know it today.
Half of our states bear Indian names, as well as many of our rivers and cities. The hammock, toboggan, and birch bark canoe were invented by the Indians. It is easy to forget that it was the Indians who gave us corn, chocolate, rubber, quinine, and many other products, and that they made a major contribution to our arts and crafts.
Now, in response to requests from teachers and others, it is encouraging to note that the Society for American Archaeology is developing a “Plan for the Future“ in archaeology and public education. Also, it is expected that Archaeology Month, which is sponsored by archaeology societies across the country, will continue to tell people more about our rich cultural history and the importance of preserving it.
However, by far the best way to learn more about our past is to join the Missouri Archaeology Society. The Society is pleased to indicate that its membership is close to 600 and counting. So, there is indeed hope that in time myths will fade and be superseded by facts. Then, we all can have a better understanding of Indian lore and a better appreciation of what we owe the American Indian.
It is hoped that Archaeology Month taking place in varying degrees across the country will let people know more about our rich cultural history and the importance of preserving it. Through such efforts, it is hoped that in time myths will be superseded by facts. Then we can all have a better understanding of Indian lore and a better appreciation of the debts we owe the American Indian.
References:
Indians and Archaeology of Missouri, by Carl H. and Eleanor F. Chapman, University of Missouri Press, 1983.
Windows on the Past, the Historic Indians of Missouri, U.S. Forest Service, Mark Twain National Forest, undated.
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Last updated May 2008.
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