New York State Test Prep: Social Studies 5 (Grade 4) Native Americans of New York State

For centuries the Iroquois have made a variety of cultural contributions. These include a rich heritage of art, music, dance, storytelling and legends. Often these were a part of their daily lives. Some were created for everyday use and some may have had ceremonial purposes.

Iroquois women decorated their clothing, bags, and pouches with intricate beadwork, using a variety of bright colors and patterns. Magnificent masks were made by artists and craftsmen for use in religious and healing ceremonies. Pottery, created for daily use, was often decorated with beautiful designs. Pipes smoked in ceremonies were carved with symbols, which held special meaning to the Iroquois. Artifacts from the Iroquois culture may be seen in museums throughout New York State. Beautiful artwork and handmade crafts are still created by the Iroquois today.

Music has played an important role in the lives of the Iroquois. Singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments, enlivened festivals and ceremonies. Drums and flutes were used for special celebrations. Songs and dances were performed during religious ceremonies. Today, Native Americans perform some of these dances for fairs, powwows, and celebrations.

The Iroquois passed down stories and legends, which told of their history and beliefs. These oral histories took place during celebrations and festivals. Storytelling was also a traditional pastime at night in the longhouse. These oral stories which were passed from generation to generation within families and clans, have now been collected and written in books.

Games, and sports introduced by the Iroquois are still in existence today. Lacrosse, or Ga-lahs, as it was known to the Iroquois, is a popular sport enjoyed today throughout the world. It was first played by the Iroquois hundreds of years ago.

In New York we still see many reminders of the Iroquois heritage. Native American names have been given to our parks, cities and lakes. Streets and highways, named after the Iroquois often follow their old paths.

Let’s Review the Cultural Contributions of the Iroquois

Art	Music	Oral Traditions	Games and Sports	Language/ Words
beadwork designs	singing	storytelling	lacrosse	cities and states
masks	dancing	legends		parks
pottery	musical instruments	oral histories		lakes and rivers
carvings				roads and highways

Definitions

Cultural: the way of life shared by a group of people, including language, beliefs, art, foods, and celebrations

Artifacts: historical objects made by people in the past

Oral history: historical information which was spoken or told

Clan: families who are all related by a common ancestor

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