How did the Lenape divide work between women and men
Lenape men were expert hunters and fishermen, while Lenape women farmed. This division of labor caused cultural confusion when Europeans arrived. From the European point of view, farming was real work, while hunting and fishing were just recreational sports.
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The Lenape, also known as the Delaware tribe, had a societal structure that included the division of labor between women and men. To understand this division, we can explore some general aspects of Lenape society and examine the roles and responsibilities of women and men:
1. Hunting and Warfare: Among the Lenape, hunting and warfare were primarily the responsibilities of the men. Men often hunted game animals such as deer, elk, and small game, providing food and resources for the community. They also participated in warfare to protect their territory.
2. Agriculture and Gathering: Women played a significant role in agriculture and gathering activities. They cultivated crops such as maize (corn), beans, and squash, known as the Three Sisters, which were essential for sustenance. Women also collected various wild plants, berries, nuts, and medicinal herbs.
3. Household and Childcare: Women were typically responsible for managing household duties, including preparing meals, making clothing, and maintaining the dwelling. They also played a crucial role in childcare, raising and educating children within the community.
4. Leadership and Decision-making: The Lenape society was matrilineal, meaning lineage was determined through the mother's line. Women had influence over clan and kinship relationships, and their opinions were highly regarded in decision-making processes. However, both men and women contributed to communal decision-making.
It is essential to note that gender roles were not rigidly fixed in Lenape society and could vary based on individual abilities, aptitudes, and community needs. Additionally, the division of labor was not seen as a form of inequality or hierarchy; instead, it reflected a complementary relationship between women and men within their cultural framework.