Omaha
Location: Most Omaha people live in present-day Northeast Nebraska. Language: Dhe'giha or The'giha (part of
the Siouan family) Traditions: Agriculture and hunting were
important parts of Omaha life. Both the men and women participated in
agricultural activities. Ownership of a garden plot was recognized as long as
the plot was being cultivated. Corn, beans, squash and melons were grown. Corn,
squash and beans were grown in the same plot. Corn and squash were planted in
alternating mounds that were two to three feet apart. The beans were planted
among the corn and climbed the corn. Or, if there was enough room beans were
grown in a separate garden that used willow poles as supports for the beans.
The gardens were planted in spring and hoed twice in the early stages of
growth. For the rest of summer, the gardens weren't tended as often as the
people left for the annual buffalo hunt.
Men hunted many animals such as deer, buffalo, antelope and elk. The
annual buffalo hunt was conducted in the summer months and provided the
majority of the meat used by the Omaha. Everyone left the villages to
participate in the annual buffalo hunt except for the very old. Aside from
meat, hunting provided the people with furs that were used for clothing,
moccasins, tent covers, robes and bedding. Bones were used as implements.
Though this page has been carefully researched, the author does not
claim expertise on the Omaha.
Please send questions, comments, and corrections to emuseum@mnsu.edu and include the web address of this page.
If you are Omaha, your feedback is much appreciated.
References:
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Dorsey, Rev. J. Owen. Omaha Sociology. New York.
Johnson Reprint Corporation. 1970.
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Fletcher, Alice C. and La Flesche, Francis. The Omaha
Tribe. New York. Johnson Reprint Corporation. 1970.
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Fortune, R.F. Omaha Secret Societies. New York. AMS
Press. 1932
Written by: Sally
Lynch |
