We are exploring a variety of Seneca tribe crafts as we learn more about how and where they lived. You’ll also love my page Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning.
We’re learning the beautiful handiwork they created and who they were as people.
The Seneca are a Native American people originally based in present-day New York State and northern Pennsylvania.
They are one of the six nations of the Iroquois Confederacy. And are known as the “Keepers of the Western Door.”
They were known as skilled warriors, diplomats and extensive trade network.
Also, for their matrilineal society, Iroquois Confederacy leadership, and agriculture of corn, beans, and squash.
In addition, they are also known for their beautiful art of quillwork and beadwork.
These skills were often applied to an important aspect of daily life – footwear, moccasins to be precise.
Moccasins were a traditional footwear worn by Native Americans.
When they wore out, they were able to quickly and easily make another pair from a single piece of buckskin.
The Seneca wore moccasins to protect their feet from the cold and wet weather, for comfort- moccasins allowed the wearer to still feel the ground.
Moccasins are part of their traditional Seneca outfit, which also included leggings, beaded skirts, and decorated overdresses.
They were also worn simply for style to show which community they belonged to; the distinctive styles would identify the wearer’s community.
We are going to do something very similar to what we learn about them but with much easier to acquire craft felt and some beads.
If you have smaller children, you should be able to make a pair of moccasins with two pieces of 12×18 felt.
If you are making them with middle or high school students you will want to purchase a large piece by the yard to be sure you have enough fabric.
BOOKS ABOUT THE SENECA FOR KIDS
Next, look at these books about the Seneca.
5 Seneca Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To
Grab some of these books about the Seneca to add to your reading list or to a unit study.
In this classic frontier adventure, Lois Lenski reconstructs the real-life story of Mary Jemison, who was captured in a raid as young girl and raised among the Seneca Indians.
Meticulously researched and illustrated with many detailed drawings, this Newbery Honor novel is an unforgettable tale.
Twelve-year-old Mary Jemison took for granted her peaceful days on her family's farm in eastern Pennsylvania. But on a spring day in 1758, something happened that changed her life forever.
When a band of warriors invades the Jemisons' house and takes the family captive, Mary is separated from her parents and siblings. She travels with the Indians to southern Ohio and later to a Seneca village on the Genesee River in
what is now western New York.
Although Jeannie loves her lakeside neighborhood, her feelings are hurt by her schoolmates who live in fancier homes and call her a Lake Rat.
When she confides her troubles to her grandfather, he tells her about his own childhood experiences with teasing. As the story unfolds, the grandfather shares a traditional Seneca story that helps Jeannie to find strength in her Native identity and a new appreciation for the different roles that animals play in nature. This is a quiet book that celebrates family and place and the teachings of Native people. Muskrat Will Be Swimming is based on a real incident in Cheryl Savageau's life.
This classic work of local history tells the story of the Seneca people of western New York, from their ancient origins to the present day. Arch Merrill's engaging prose and vivid descriptions of Seneca life, culture, and traditions make this book an essential resource for anyone interested in the history of upstate New York and its Native American peoples.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.
This is the story of the famous and controversial Seneca chief and orator Red Jacket (Sagoyewatha, ca. 1750–1830), whose passionate and articulate defense of the old ways won the admiration of many but also earned him the enmity of Chiefs Joseph Brant and Cornplanter. Red Jacket received a medal from George Washington as a token of friendship. He is remembered as a vocal and persistent opponent of foreign encroachment on the Iroquois, protesting bitterly against the sale of tribal lands and involvement in European-American disputes, missionary activities, and various efforts to “civilize” the Iroquois.
Turtle lives in a beautiful little pond with everything a happy turtle needs. But one spring, Turtle awakes from hibernation to discover that her lovely home has been invaded! A pushy beaver takes over Turtle's beloved pond and refuses to share. Instead, he challenges her to a race to determine who can stay. But how can a little turtle outswim a big, powerful beaver? This charming fable of brains versus brawn is a great read for all the young readers in the forest to share!
Next, look at these facts about the Seneca.
WHO WERE THE SENECA TRIBE?
The Seneca have a long and rich history dating back thousands of years.
They were originally semi-nomadic people who lived in longhouses and relied on hunting, fishing, and agriculture for sustenance.
In the 16th century, the Seneca encountered European settlers and began to trade with them for goods such as metal tools and guns.
The Seneca have a vibrant culture that is rich in tradition and spirituality.
The Seneca people have a strong oral tradition. Many stories and legends have been passed down through generations.
Today, the Seneca people live on several reservations in New York and Pennsylvania.
The tribe is federally recognized. The Seneca have their own government and laws.
The Seneca continue to maintain their traditional culture and way of life while also adapting to the modern world.
FAMOUS SENECA PEOPLE
- Wilma Mankiller (1945-2010): A Cherokee-Seneca activist and politician who served as the first female Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.
- Red Jacket (1758-1830): A Seneca war chief and orator who was a prominent figure in the War of 1812.
- Ely S. Parker (1828-1895): A Seneca engineer and military officer who served as Commissioner of Indian Affairs under President Ulysses S. Grant.
- Jim Thorpe (1888-1953): A Seneca athlete who is considered one of the greatest all-around athletes of all time.
SENECA TRIBE CRAFTS AND ACTIVITIES
- The Iroquois Confederacy was made up of the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca tribes. Look at How To Make a 5 Arrows Craft the symbol of their unity.
- Here is my Native American Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning to dive deeper into the different tribes.
- Try this simple but beautiful Quillwork Inspired Craft as you study about this handcraft.
- French And Indian War Activity: How To Make An Iroquois Longhouse, the Seneca people lived in Longhouses rather than teepees.
- Here you will find recipes highlighting one of the 3 Sisters(corn of the corn, beans, and squash) hominy, corn muffins, and corn soup. Cooking is a wonderful hands-on activity.
- No Sew Quiver and Macrame Arrows
HOW TO MAKE EASY MOCCASINS
You will need:
- Two large pieces of felt
- Suede cording
- Beads
- Needle and thread
- Paper and a pencil
First, trace your child’s foot on a piece of white paper.
Cut out the outline and center it on a piece of felt so that you have a good 5”-6” on either side, and several inches at both heel and toe.
Cut around the foot not quite halfway around leaving about 2” of excess felt around it.
Flip the template over and repeat for the second moccasin.
Fold the shape in half and “measure” to the foot, as you wrap it around you will see where you need to trim some down but leave enough to cover with a ½” seam allowance.
Sew ¼” in up the back and all the way around, leaving the “ankle” portion unsewn.
Turn the sewn boot inside out. The stitches are now hidden on the inside.
Cut a fringe all along the ankle section like this.
Fold the fringe down.
Cut two small holes on either side of the top portion of the shoe for laces and thread cording or ribbon through them.
Finally add beads to the ends of the cording and tie it off.
Slip on your handmade moccasins and enjoy your handiwork.
If you are worried about them being too slippery on hardwood floors just run a few lines of hot glue along the bottoms.
Allow them to harden, this will create a gripping effect.
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