Quapaw Nation

Quapaw Nation Flag

Meaning of the Name Quapaw

The name “Quapaw” means “downstream people.” This name was given to them because they lived and traveled along the Mississippi River. They called themselves “Ogahpah,” which sounds similar to “Quapaw.”

The Range of the Quapaw People

The Quapaw originally lived along the Ohio River but moved south and settled in what is now eastern Arkansas. They lived mostly along the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers near present-day Little Rock and the Delta region.

Diet, Hunting, and Farming

The Quapaw were skilled farmers, hunters, and gatherers. They grew corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. They hunted deer, bear, and small game, and they fished in nearby rivers. They also gathered wild fruits and nuts from the forests around them.

Types of Homes the Quapaw Built

The Quapaw built longhouses made from wooden poles covered with grass or bark. These homes were large and could hold several families. Their villages also had open gathering spaces for ceremonies and meetings.

Culture, Customs, and Ceremonies

Quapaw Chief

Quapaw Chief with Calumet Pipe

The Quapaw had a rich culture with strong family and community traditions. They made beautiful pottery, wove baskets, and wore clothing made from animal hides and decorated with beads. The tribe held ceremonies for planting, harvest, and hunting seasons. Music, dancing, and storytelling were important parts of their culture.

One important custom of the Quapaw people was the Calumet Ceremony, also known as the peace pipe ceremony. This ceremony was used to welcome visitors, make agreements, or celebrate peaceful relations with other tribes or groups.

The centerpiece of the ceremony was the calumet, or peace pipe, which was carefully crafted and decorated with feathers and carvings. When leaders smoked the pipe together, it showed trust, friendship, and mutual respect.

The ceremony often included dancing, singing, and storytelling. It brought people together and helped maintain peace among neighboring groups. The ritual was sacred and taken very seriously by the Quapaw.

Conflicts with the U.S. Government

Unlike some other tribes, the Quapaw had mostly peaceful relations with the U.S. government at first. However, in the 1800s, the government forced the Quapaw to give up their land through treaties. They were moved to Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma, far from their homeland in Arkansas. This relocation caused great hardship for the tribe.

Conclusion

Today, the Quapaw Nation is based in Oklahoma, but they still honor their Arkansas roots and traditions. They continue to celebrate their culture, language, and history through festivals, education, and community events.

Discussion Questions

  1. What does the name “Quapaw” mean and why were they called that?
  2. How did the Quapaw get their food?
  3. What was the purpose of the Calumet Ceremony?
  4. Why did the Quapaw have to leave their land in Arkansas?

Glossary

  • Calumet: A decorated pipe used in peace ceremonies by Native American tribes.
  • Longhouse: A long, shared home made from natural materials like wood and bark.
  • Ceremony: A special event with traditions, music, and meaning.
  • Relocation: Forcing people to move from their homes to another place.
  • Treaty: A formal agreement between two groups, often used by the government to take land from Native peoples.

Meaning of the Name Quapaw

The name “Quapaw” means “downstream people.” They got this name because they lived and traveled along the Mississippi River. The Quapaw called themselves “Ogahpah.”

Where the Quapaw Lived

The Quapaw first lived near the Ohio River but later moved south. They settled in eastern Arkansas, mostly near the Mississippi and Arkansas Rivers, close to today’s Little Rock and the Delta region.

Food and Farming

The Quapaw were good at farming, hunting, and gathering. They grew corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. They hunted deer, bear, and small animals, and they fished in rivers. They also picked wild fruits and nuts.

Quapaw Homes

The Quapaw lived in longhouses made from wooden poles covered with grass or bark. These homes were large and held several families. They also had spaces in the village for meetings and special events.

Culture and Ceremonies

The Quapaw had strong family and community traditions. They made pottery, wove baskets, and wore decorated animal skin clothing. They held special ceremonies during planting and harvest time and for hunting. Music, dancing, and storytelling were very important to them.

The Calumet Ceremony

One special tradition was the Calumet Ceremony, or peace pipe ceremony. They used it to welcome visitors or make peace with other groups. The pipe, called a calumet, was decorated with feathers and carvings. Leaders smoked it together to show trust and respect. These ceremonies also included dancing and music.

Trouble with the U.S. Government

At first, the Quapaw had mostly peaceful relations with the U.S. government. But in the 1800s, the government made them sign treaties to give up their land. They were forced to move far away to Oklahoma. This caused the tribe a lot of hardship.