Ceremonial Distribution Of Gifts example essay topic

1. Leif Eriksson- Son of Erik "The Red", this Icelandic Explorer was born in Greenland in 970. Leif set out on a journey to explore the west in the 990's. He is thought to be the first European to set foot on North America. 2. L'Anse aux Meadows- Translates to "little bay by the meadows".

It is located in Newfoundland. Surrounded by water on three sides which is good for vegetation. It is the only known trace of Norse settlement. 3. Bering ia- It is a low-lying land bridge that connected Siberia to Alaska. It existed about 18,000 years ago when sea levels were much lower.

It was a treeless arctic land covered with a limited variety of vegetation. 4. Little Salt Springs- Located in South Sarasota County, it is a large flooded sinkhole that was discovered by William R. Royal. There, archeologists have found bone and plants, which have been preserved by the water since there is no air to damage it. It is thought that Paleo-Indians lowered themselves down into the sinkhole off a ledge to reach the water at the bottom. 5.

Ipiutak- A culture of the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska, ca. 100-200 A.D., that possibly descended from the Denbigh Flint culture. A hunter-gatherer group relied heavily on reindeer for food. Ipiutak was probably best known for their carved ivory objects. 6. Gorget- A gorget is a relatively large, flat curving object of polished stone, shell, or metal used as an ornament or for protection around the throat.

7. Sinodonty- This consists of Chinese-like teeth characteristics. Sinodonts display strong incisor shoveling, having a scooping formation on the molars. This technique is used to determine the approximate date of when ancestral Chinese groups split up and joined with other groups to start new cultures.

8. Altithermal- (6000-2500 B.C.) This occurred when temperatures and dry conditions reached their maximum on the Plains, to the point that the grasslands may become completely devoid of human habitation. 9. Kayak and Umiak- These devices were used for water travel of short distances. (Example: Bering Strait) A kayak was used by male Eskimos and was completely enclosed. The Umiak was used by female Eskimos, but it was open.

10. Potlaches- This is a ceremonial distribution of gifts observed by Native American tribes of the Pacific Coast. Occasions for potlaches included Weddings and Deaths. Festivities included dancing, feasting, and speech making. Then the host would distribute the gifts, usually in the form of blankets and food. The host many even destroy money or valuables and verbally abuse his guests to show his financial and social superiority.