Question 1

Describe the religious beliefs of the Great Basin.

Accepted Answer

The religious beliefs of the Great Basin region were diverse and varied among the different Native American tribes that inhabited the area. Many tribes in the Great Basin practiced animism, the belief that all natural objects and phenomena possess a spirit or soul. This belief system often included a deep reverence for the land, animals, and natural forces.

Shamanism was also a common religious practice in the Great Basin, with shamans serving as spiritual leaders and healers within their communities. These individuals were believed to have the ability to communicate with the spirit world and were often consulted for guidance and healing.

Additionally, some tribes in the Great Basin practiced a form of ancestor worship, honoring and seeking guidance from their deceased relatives. This belief system often included rituals and ceremonies to honor and remember their ancestors.

Overall, the religious beliefs of the Great Basin were deeply rooted in a connection to the natural world and the spiritual realm, with a strong emphasis on maintaining harmony and balance within the community and with the environment.

Question 2

Describe the impact of Europeans on Great Basin Indians.Include water use.How have the Indians maintained their identity today?

Accepted Answer

The impact of Europeans on Great Basin Indians was significant and often detrimental. The arrival of Europeans brought diseases, warfare, and displacement, leading to a decline in the population of Great Basin tribes. The Europeans also introduced new technologies and goods, which disrupted traditional ways of life and economies.

One major impact was the use of water resources. Europeans introduced new methods of irrigation and water management, which often led to conflicts over water rights and access. This had a profound impact on the traditional way of life for Great Basin Indians, who relied on water for hunting, gathering, and agriculture.

Despite these challenges, Great Basin Indians have maintained their identity and cultural traditions. Many tribes have fought to protect their water rights and have worked to preserve their traditional knowledge and practices. Additionally, there has been a resurgence in interest in traditional crafts, languages, and ceremonies, helping to keep their culture alive. Some tribes have also established cultural centers and educational programs to pass on their heritage to future generations. Overall, Great Basin Indians have shown resilience and determination in preserving their identity in the face of European influence.

Question 3

How did the Indians of the Great Basin exploit their environment?

Accepted Answer

The Indians of the Great Basin exploited their environment in a variety of ways to ensure their survival. They were hunter-gatherers, so they relied on the natural resources around them for food, clothing, and shelter. They hunted small game such as rabbits and birds, and also gathered a variety of plants, seeds, and nuts. They used the resources of the land to create tools and weapons for hunting and defense, such as bows and arrows, spears, and knives. They also utilized the natural materials for building shelters, such as brush and animal hides. Additionally, they had a deep understanding of the seasonal patterns and water sources in the region, allowing them to move and adapt to the changing environment. Overall, the Indians of the Great Basin were able to thrive in a harsh and arid landscape by carefully exploiting the resources available to them.

Question 4

Pinyon nuts, eaten by many Great Basin populations, __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  were obtained from Californian populations via trade
B)  can be gathered by brown coning or green coning
C)  could not be stored for long periods of time
D)  were a fall-back food in times of famine

Question 5

Sarah Winnemucca, a Northern Paiute, __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  was known as the "Indian Moses"
B)  performed in a show on Paiute life on stage in the 1860s
C)  was instrumental in encouraging her people to declare war on the U.S.
D)  did not believe in American education for her people

Question 6

Each of the following is true of the Owens Valley Paiute EXCEPT that they

Accepted Answer

A)  were organized into seven bands that controlled specific areas.
B)  were peaceful and traded with California Indians.
C)  wore elaborate clothing most of the time.
D)  The answer is wore elaborate clothing most of the time.

Question 7

Explain the condition of the Chemehuevi people today.In what ways have they sought to expand their economic base?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain the condition of the Chemehuevi people...

Question 8

Today the Chemehuevi

Accepted Answer

A)  have a population of about 50,000.
B)  maintain a court, an attorney, and a tribal administrator.
C)  await acknowledgment as a federally recognized tribe.
D)  have abandoned agriculture as an economic activity.

Question 9

Modern Great Basin Indians have

Accepted Answer

A)  overcome problems with drugs and alcohol.
B)  issues with land, hunting, water, and grazing rights.
C)  no casinos.
D)  successfully had their cultural views incorporated into law.

Question 10

The material culture and ritual life of the Chemehuevi were heavily influenced by

Accepted Answer

A)  the Mohave.
B)  the Shoshones.
C)  the Europeans.
D)  other Southern Paiute groups.

Question 11

The Great Basin is characterized by mobile, band-level hunters and gatherers and by linguistic uniformity.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

The Owens Valley Paiute __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  were organized into seven bands that controlled specific areas
B)  were peaceful and traded with California Indians
C)  divided labor by age and sex
D)  used flood irrigation, a form of "incipient agriculture"
E)  all of the above

Question 13

Discuss the lack of importance of warfare and the emphasis on trade.How are these related?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the lack of importance of warfare...

Question 14

Modern Great Basin Indians__________.

Accepted Answer

A)  have overcome problems with drugs and alcohol
B)  have issues with land, hunting, water, and grazing rights
C)  have no casinos
D)  all of the above

Question 15

Women in Great Basin society __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  could not hunt or be shamans
B)  often stayed single to avoid starvation
C)  had generally low status
D)  gathered and processed most of the plant food

Question 16

Sister exchange, where the sister of the groom married the brother of the bride in a double ceremony, was the ideal marriage arrangement for Owens Valley Paiute.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

In general, Great Basin bands__________.

Accepted Answer

A)  were named for their headmen
B)  had headmen elected by consensus
C)  were connected to larger, formal clans
D)  never went to war

Question 18

European and Euroamerican contact in the Great Basin __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  occurred early but did not have as much impact as in other culture areas
B)  occurred later and resulted in Natives' land loss and death by disease
C)  resulted in no formal treaties with the U.S.
D)  resulted in bitter, prolonged fighting

Question 19

Describe the political organization of the Owens Valley Paiute, both traditionally and today.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Describe the political organization of the Owens...

Question 20

The Great Basin is located __________.

Accepted Answer

A)  in the United States West
B)  in the United States Southeast
C)  in the Canadian Northeast
D)  in the Canadian West

Exam 7: Native Peoples of the Great Basin

Describe the religious beliefs of the Great Basin.

Describe the impact of Europeans on Great Basin Indians.Include water use.How have the Indians maintained their identity today?

How did the Indians of the Great Basin exploit their environment?

Pinyon nuts, eaten by many Great Basin populations, __________.

Sarah Winnemucca, a Northern Paiute, __________.

Each of the following is true of the Owens Valley Paiute EXCEPT that they

Explain the condition of the Chemehuevi people today.In what ways have they sought to expand their economic base?

Today the Chemehuevi

Modern Great Basin Indians have

The material culture and ritual life of the Chemehuevi were heavily influenced by

The Great Basin is characterized by mobile, band-level hunters and gatherers and by linguistic uniformity.

The Owens Valley Paiute __________.

Discuss the lack of importance of warfare and the emphasis on trade.How are these related?

Modern Great Basin Indians__________.

Women in Great Basin society __________.

Sister exchange, where the sister of the groom married the brother of the bride in a double ceremony, was the ideal marriage arrangement for Owens Valley Paiute.

In general, Great Basin bands__________.

European and Euroamerican contact in the Great Basin __________.

Describe the political organization of the Owens Valley Paiute, both traditionally and today.

The Great Basin is located __________.