3. Prior to the arrival of the Spanish, Native Americans would likely have chosen which material with which to weave their blankets?
a. oat wool
b. silk
c. sheep wool
d. cotton
c. sheep wool
The answer is option c. sheep wool.
To determine which material Native Americans would likely have chosen to weave their blankets prior to the arrival of the Spanish, we can examine their geographical location, available natural resources, and cultural practices.
First, it's important to note that Native American tribes inhabited various regions across North and Central America, each with its own unique environment and resource availability. This means that blanket-weaving materials could differ depending on the specific tribe.
One common material used for blanket-weaving by Native Americans is sheep wool (option c). Sheep were introduced to the Americas by European explorers and colonizers, including the Spanish. However, prior to European contact, some Native American tribes did not have access to sheep and their wool. Therefore, if the Native Americans being referred to in the question did not have contact with the Spanish yet, sheep wool would not have been readily available to them.
Oat wool (option a) is not typically associated with Native American blanket-weaving. Oats are a grain crop and not a natural fiber source for textile production.
Silk (option b) is also an unlikely choice for Native American blanket-weaving. Silk is primarily produced from the cocoons of silkworms, which are not native to the Americas. Silk production requires a specific kind of climate and specialized knowledge that was not present among Native American tribes before European contact.
Cotton (option d) is a potential material choice for Native American blanket-weaving. Cotton was cultivated by some Native American tribes in regions with suitable climates, such as the southeastern United States and parts of Mesoamerica. Therefore, cotton would be a reasonable option for Native Americans to weave their blankets with prior to the arrival of the Spanish.
In conclusion, the most likely material choice for Native Americans to weave their blankets prior to the arrival of the Spanish would depend on their specific geographical location. However, sheep wool (option c) and cotton (option d) would be the most likely options, with cotton being more widespread and accessible across different regions.