NEZ PERCE CULTURE

LIFE SKILLS AND TRADITIONS

Long ago, Indian families had everyday lives much like we do today. Homes had to be built and kept neat. Treasures, tools and toys had to be carefully stored. Food had to be prepared for storage and cooked. Clothes had to be made and repaired. People found different ways to do these things, depending on what their homeland(s) offered.

The Life Skills and Traditions section includes information on the following topics:

BERRIES ·· PEMMICAN ·· GRINDING STONES ·· CAMAS ··
BISCUIT ROOT
GAMES ·· FOODS ·· FRY BREAD ·· BASKETS ·· FRUIT LEATHER
TEA ·· TOYS ·· TRAVOIS ·· OBSIDIAN ·· DRUMS ·· BEADS
SHELLS ·· BEAR CLAWS ·· TIPIS ·· PARFLECHE ·· BREASTPLATES
HEADBANDS ·· WAR BONNETS ·· CANOES ·· FISHING ·· SHIELDS
COUP STICK ·· PEACE PIPE ·· VEST ·· BUCKSKIN ·· BREECHCLOTH
LEGGINGS ·· SINEW ·· CUFFS ·· ANKLETS ·· DANCE BUSTLE
FACE PAINT ·· PICTOGRAPHS ·· STORYTELLING ·· SIGN LANGUAGE

TRADITIONAL NEZ PERCE ART

The Nez Perce have used a variety of traditional geometric and floral patterns in decorations and beadwork, along with representations of birds and animals and decorations of natural materials such as shells and fur and elk teeth.

The Traditional Nez Perce Art slide show may take a little while to load, especially if you have a slow connection; it contains a number of images of both traditional and modern design in Nez Perce clothing and other items.