The Northeastern Woodland Indians were expert farmers and farming was the main focus of their
lives. Though primarily farmers, they were also skilled hunters and animals were a staple in
their diets. The Indians also fished the fresh waters of the many rivers and streams throughout
the region using hooks, spears, and nets. Tribes along the coastal Atlantic waters also dug
for shellfish such as oysters and clams.
Deer were abundant in the meadows and hunting grounds of the Woodland Indians and was probably
the most important animal to the Woodland Indians. Deer were used for clothing, moccasins, and
food. The antlers were used for arrowheads and the hooves were used for glue. To prepare a deer
hide they placed the skin in a running brook, preferably with a clay bottom. This loosened the
hair that was then scraped off the hide. In addition to deer, the Woodland Indians also hunted
rabbits, bear, squirrel, beaver, and other animals that could be found in the region.
Fires were built in the middle of the longhouse and shared by two families, one on each
side. Cooking methods included boiling and roasting, and most meals incorporated a soup
or stew prepared in a simple black clay pottery or bark container. During good weather
a fire for cooking was built outside of the longhouse where women roasted the meat over
an open fire. During inclement weather cooking was done indoors.