How do you pronounce "Narragansett?" What does it mean? Narragansett is pronounced "nair-uh-GANN-set." It comes from the Narragansett placename naiaganset, which means "small point of land."
Were the Narragansett Indians part of the Mohegan tribe? Not originally. They spoke similar languages and shared similar cultures, but the Narragansetts, Mohegans, Pequots, Nipmucs, and other tribes of New England all used to be distinct tribes, each with its own leadership. But after Europeans arrived, many Native American people of the east coast died from disease and warfare. The survivors merged together, and many of their original tribal distinctions were lost. Today, there are people of Narragansett heritage living among other tribes such as the Pequot and Mohegan tribes-- and vice versa.
Where do the Narragansett Indians live today? The Narragansetts are original people of Rhode Island and Connecticut.
How do Narragansett Indian children live, and what did they do in the past? They do the same things any children do--play with each other, go to school and help around the house. In the past, Indian kids had more chores and less time to play, just like early colonial children. But they did have corn shuck dolls, ball games, and toys such as kid-size bows and arrows. Narragansett mothers, like many Native Americans, traditionally carried their babies in cradleboards on their backs. Here is a website with pictures of cradleboards and other Native baby carrier technology.
What were men and women's roles in the Narragansett tribe? Narragansett men were hunters and sometimes went to war to protect their families. Narragansett women were farmers and also did most of the child care and cooking. Both genders took part in storytelling, artwork and music, and traditional medicine. In the past, Narragansett chiefs were always men, but today a Narragansett Indian woman could be chief too.
What were Narragansett homes like in the past? The Narragansetts didn't live in tepees. They lived in small round houses called wigwams. Some Narragansett Indians preferred Iroquoian-style longhouses to wigwams, because more family members could live in a longhouse. Here are some pictures of wigwams, longhouses, and other Native American homes. Today, Native Americans only build a wigwam for fun or to connect with their heritage, not for shelter. Most Narragansett people live in modern houses and apartment buildings, just like you.
What was Narragansett clothing like? Did they wear feather headdresses and face paint? Narragansett women wore knee-length skirts and the men wore a breechcloth and leggings. Shirts were not necessary in the Narragansett culture, but Narragansett people did wear deerskin mantles in cool weather. Narragansett men and women both wore earrings and mocassins on their feet. Here is a picture of Narragansett clothing and some photographs and links about men, especially warriors, often wore a Mohawk hairstyle or shaved their heads completely except for a scalplock (one long lock of hair on top of their heads.) Narragansett women usually had long hair. Here is a website with pictures of Native American hair.