Lenape ( Delaware )
The Lenape call themselves the Lenni Lenape, which
means "original people." There are three divisions of the tribe.
Their flag carries many symbols
that reflect their culture. The mask in the center of the flag represents Mesingw, the "Masked Spirit", who is the guardian of the creatures of the
forest. The forest animals were as important to the Lenape as the buffalo
were to the natives of the plains. Location: European settlers pushed the nation
from Delaware through 16 states, including Ontario, to Oklahoma where many of
them live today.Traditions: They used copper
to make pipes and ornaments. These were
traded along with pottery, dressed deerskin,
beads, and feather mantels. They used their pottery to store corn, beans and tobacco, which they grew along
with sweet potatoes and squash.
Dyes from certain vegetables and minerals were used for picture writing to record history and communicate and
to paint themselves for ceremonies and battle.
In the beginning, the nation was at ease with
the new settlers, but when the settlers began to take what was theirs, the
warriors took action. The Lenni Lenape
Historical Society and Museum has records of these events.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not
claim expertise on Lenape culture.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the web address of this page.
If you are Lenape, your feedback is much appreciated.
Homepage of the Delaware Tribe: http://www.delawaretribeofindians.nsn.us/
Official Website of the Delaware Tribe: http://www.delawaretribe.org/
The Delaware Nation: http://www.delawarenation.com/
References:
- Delaware Indians
- The Flag of the Lenni Lenape or Eastern Delaware
- The Lenni Lenape Historical Society and Museum
Written by: Daryl Traeger |
