Patterns of Subsistence
The lives of people were characterized by brief periods of high activity,
followed by longer periods of rest. There was much work involved in obtaining
and processing food, especially plants, but after the food was gathered, there was time
for socialization, rituals, games, art, and warfare.
The year was divided into specific times for food gathering. In spring
the first roots and greens were gathered. This was a time of celebration, after
the long winter most of the stored foods had been depleted and food caches
were empty. During the summer different roots were gathered. Fall was the time
of fruits, with seeds and berries gathered in quantity, dried, and stored for the
coming winter.
Plant foods were gathered in the valleys, mountains, and in the Columbia Basin. Some plants tasted
better or were more plentiful at certain localities. People would travel miles to dig roots or
collect berries at these seasonal gathering places. Usually the women and children would dig roots
or gather seed and berries while the men would hunt. For much of the year people lived in
very small family groups. At the best gathering places these small groups would congregate.
There, old friendships were renewed and people shared gossip about news and events.
Children played together and adults gambled for roots and other goods.
