Wichita Indian Tribe

1. Wichita Indian Tribe By: McKelvie M.

2. Pronunciation and Meaning • The word is pronounced “wih-chih-taw.” • Wichita was the name of a tribal town.

3. Where the Wichita lived • The Wichita people lived in southern Oklahoma. • When Europeans arrived, populations increased ,which forced the Wichita further north.

4. Men and Women’s roles in the tribe • Wichita men hunted and sometimes went to battle. • The Wichita women did all of the cooking, child care , and farming.

5. What were Wichita homes like? • Wichita homes were tall beehive-shaped houses thatched with grass. • Temporary homes were tipis for hunting.

6. Wichita clothing and jewelry • The Wichita men wore breechcloths with leathery leggings. • Wichita women wore wraparound skirts and poncho tops. • Both of the genders wore moccasins and earrings.

7. Wichita Transportation • When the Wichitas traveled down streams or rivers , they usually built rafts.

8. Wichita weapons and tools • Wichita hunters used bows and arrows. • In battle , Wichita men fought with clubs and hide shields.

9. What was Wichita food like? • Wichita women collected corn ,beans, squash , and pumpkins. • Men took part in seasonal buffalo hunts for meat.

10. Interesting facts • The Wichitas wore tribal tattoos and painted their faces for special occasions. • Wichita are known for their pottery, beadwork, and hide paintings. • The Wichitas told legends and fairy tales. • The Wichita descendants of today speak English. • The Wichita Nation has its own government, laws, police, and services, just like a small country.

11. Sources • Images and audio from Microsoft clip art. • Facts For Kids Wichita Indians • http://www.bigorrin.org/wichita_kids.htm