The Illinois located villages in the wooded river valleys where there was a good supply of fresh drinking water and shelter from the wind and sun, as well as plenty of wood for fuel and for shaping houses, boats, tools, and weapons. Birch trees did not grow that far south, so the Illinois did not have that pliable bark for coverings as did other Algonquians. They used elm bark instead, as well as mats made from woven cattails. They carved large dugout canoes—30 to 40 feet in length—from butternut trees. There was abundant game in the forests and fish in the rivers; along the riverbanks was rich soil for growing corn, beans, and squash.
But the Illinois also ventured out onto the windswept prairies along the wide Mississippi valley to hunt the herds of buffalo that grazed in the tall grass (see PRAIRIE INDIANS). Before acquiring horses, Native Americans had to hunt on foot. These early buffalo hunters had the most success when they worked in groups. A proven method was to surround a herd with a ring of fire, then while the animals were trapped, pick them off with bows and arrows. To kill even one of these huge hoofed mammals meant a good supply of meat for one’s family, plus a large shaggy fur for robes and blankets. Women went along on the hunts to pack in the meat and dry it and to tan the hides; children also helped with these chores.
Illinois (Kaskaskia) wooden effigy bowl in the shape of a beaver
The elk—the second in size only to the moose in the deer family—also was a valuable catch.
World History
