Vegetation
The Iroquois’ vegetation consists of beans, squash, corns, which were known as the three sisters. These three vegetables grow very strategically. First, the cornstalks grow, then the bean plants climb the stalks, and the squash grow beneath. This inhibits weeds and keeps the soil moist under the shade of their broad leaves. Also, the soil remained fertile for several decades. The food could be stored during the winter, and lasts for two to three years. While men had the job of farming, gathering was done by women and children. Wild roots, greens, berries and nuts were gathered in the summer. In the spring, sap is tapped from the maple trees and boiled into maple syrup, and herbs are gathered for medicine. The Iroquois hunted mostly deer, but also other animals such as wild turkey and migratory birds. In the winter, the Iroquois hunted muskrats and beavers. Fishing was also a significant source of food, since the Iroquois are located near the St. Lawrence River. They fished salmon, trout, bass, perch and whitefish. In the spring the Iroquois netted, and in the winter fishing holes were made in the ice.
Made by Cathy Xing
Block D
2013
Block D
2013