THE SOUTHERN PAIUTE
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SOUTHWEST CULTURES
MISCONCEPTIONS
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CULTURE
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Ancient cultural groups of southern Nevada left behind tools, pottery, weapons and other evidence of daily life that have allowed archeologists to reconstruct their history; a story on the search for food, shelter and human adaptation in the desert.
The Paiute people occupied the Great Basin desert regions of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, California, Oregon and Idaho. The three cultural divisions of the Paiute; Northern Paiute, Owens Valley Paiute and Southern Paiute, were broken down further into 16 geographic groups. The Southern Paiute occupied southern Utah and southern Nevada and followed the fertile bend of the Colorado River southward through Arizona into California. The Paiute adapted to the high desert by hunting and gathering a surprising array of resources.
In their quest for food the Southern Paiute moved frequently in groups or bands no larger than a family or extended family consisting of grandparents, parents and children. They patterned their movements over a wide and well-known territory, carrying everything they needed on their backs. Routes were determined by water sources and the seasonal availability and abundance of plant foods. The Paiute selectively exploited a wide range of plants and animals. They recognized the nutritional and medicinal value of almost everything that occurred in nature.
Hunting
Hunting was both individual and communal and occurred throughout the year. Hunting was secondary in importance to gathering. Solitary hunters or hunting partners stalked and ambushed birds, mammals and reptiles using bows and arrows or traps and snares. Rabbit drives took place in the fall in communal drives for their meat and fur. Small game was their chief source of protein. They cooked game whole under the coals of a fire. Nothing was wasted. They crushed and ate the bones, and pelts were used for clothing.
Gathering
They undertook the gathering of plant foods intensively from spring through fall. Small groups of women typically gathered seeds by beating them from plants with seed beaters into trays or conical gathering baskets. They cached surplus for future needs in rock shelters or buried them in pits. Late winter and early spring were often seasons of near famine.
Agriculture
Archaeologists have found evidence of agriculture, although its distribution was spotty. The earliest reported planting was at the mouths of Ash and Laverkin Creeks and by the Saint George group along the Virgin River. Southern Paiute agricultural methods were relatively simple. Crops were planted and irrigation ditches dug using only digging sticks.
Structures
Since the Southern Paiute were constantly on the move during warmer months, their homes were temporary shelters called wickiups. These were often simple “lean-tos” thatched with grass, willows, sagebrush or a clump of trees which provided shelter and a temporary escape from the sun. The Southern Paiute made their houses out of materials that were readily available.
Structures
Since the Southern Paiute were constantly on the move during warmer months, their homes were temporary shelters called wickiups. These were often simple “lean-tos” thatched with grass, willows, sagebrush or a clump of trees which provided shelter and a temporary escape from the sun. The Southern Paiute made their houses out of materials that were readily available.
Fishing
Fishing took place primarily in Pyramid, Winnemuca and Walker lakes during the months of April and May. During these months there was a spawning run of native fish; lahontan, cut-throat trout and cui-ui (a sucker fish endemic to Pyramid and Winnemucca Lakes). Fish were easily caught during the spawning season with nets or spears. Fish were not eaten right away but were split and hung to dry.
Structures
Since the Southern Paiute were constantly on the move during warmer months, their homes were temporary shelters called wickiups. These were often simple “lean-tos” thatched with grass, willows, sagebrush or a clump of trees which provided shelter and a temporary escape from the sun. The Southern Paiute made their houses out of materials that were readily available.
Winter camps were carefully chosen, usually near water, firewood and building materials. 15 - 20 families may have camped together near the mouth of a canyon, pinon juniper area of the mountains, or near a fishing stream. The Southern Paiute built sturdy winter homes. Strong willow poles were set in the ground forming a circle. They then tied the poles together for strength and the ends were drawn together at the top. The structure was then covered with mats of cat tail, tulle, grass or bark. A smoke hole was left at the center. The structure was warm and secure against cold winter winds and was placed facing the east to receive the warmth of the morning sun.