The oldest evidence of indigenous agriculture dates to around 7,000 B.C. Though there has been a great deal of speculation over prehistoric tribes and their way of life, this time period has been determined by radiocarbon dating of abandoned caves that were once inhabited by these groups. The oldest confirmed examples of agricultural endeavors have been located in a series of cave sites along the Gulf of Mexico. Excavation efforts have determined that as far back as 7,000 B.C. there were concerted efforts to develop an agricultural base, even among tribes who were still technically nomadic. Spending part of the year in one location gave these groups the opportunity to cultivate a small assortment of food items before moving on. As these societies moved into new regions, they carried with them the tools and techniques that formed the basis of their developing agriculture. Some tribes came to settle in these new regions and soon flourished into entrenched nation-states. The knowledge of agriculture was passed down to each succeeding generation, helping to organize these societies into self-sustaining entities.
Indigenous Crop Staples
While questions as to which tribe first cultivated corn or which one thrived on the yam as a primary source of sustenance may be difficult to answer, the exploration of these topics has taken us deeper into the everyday life of Native American tribes. As a result of their agricultural endeavors, indigenous tribes introduced a veritable feast of crops that are now so much a part of the North American diet. Corn, pumpkins, squash, and even the noble tomato are the most prominent staples to be cultivated by indigenous tribes. Corn, however, was the most recognizable item and was for the most part the dominant crop to be cultivated in pre-contact North America.
By and large, archaeological evidence supports the claim that cultivation efforts began in the southern regions of the continent (present day Mexico) and gradually moved outward with migration patterns. Indigenous tribes cultivated primarily to feed themselves, but also grew a variety of non-edible items such as cotton, medicinal herbs, stimulants, and intoxicants. Through inter-tribal contact, a trade system was established that allowed for the spread of these agricultural products. This trade economy grew and spread throughout the continent, with new technologies permeating throughout as a result of migration and inter-tribal contact. With new discoveries came new technologies; from crude tools constructed of bone to more sophisticated farming equipment, each generation added something new to their technique. Again, it is up to archaeological evidence to support this claim and thus far this has been the predominating theory.
The Study of Indigenous Agriculture
In the study of indigenous agriculture and its dissemination throughout the continent one must not rely solely on the field of Archeology. The documentation and first hand observations of Europeans, and later Americans, have also presented this study with fascinating, if not at times biased, narratives. Correspondence between colonists and their governments in Europe were the first to outline the cultivation techniques and unique crops of indigenous tribes. Some extolled the efforts of the surrounding communities while others viewed them as a source of exploitation. The presence of missionaries, traders, and colonial agents and their subsequent communications with their respective superiors added to a growing body of research on the subject. Furthermore, cultural observers like George Catlin have opened wide the door into this world. Though there is much to see and fully grasp, a proper understanding of indigenous agriculture can be accomplished through a systematic look at the topic.
Mark C Carnes, U.S. History. (New York: MacMillan Library Reference, 1996).
Peter Nabokov, Native American Testimony: A Chronicle of Indian-White Relations From Prophecy to Present. (New York: Penguin Book, 1978).
Carl Waldman, Atlas of the North American Indian. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2000).
Carl Waldman, Encyclopedia of Native Tribes. (New York: Checkmark Books, 2006).
