essay

Cultural diversity in the lower Delaware River Valley, 1550-1750

late woodland cultures of the middle atlantic region • Newark • Published In 1986 • Pages: 90-101, 169-206

By: Becker, Marshall Joseph.

Abstract

Based on historical documents and supported by limited archaeological evidence, the data in this study suggests that the people of the lower Delaware River Valley who shared similar linguistic traits, may be identified as a single culture, that of the Lenape. 'However, considerable differences existed between the Lenape groups on the east and west sides of the Delaware River. Furthermore, even proximal bands on the Pennsylvani side, occupying nearly adjacent stream valleys feeding into the Delaware River, responded differently and independently to colonial expansion. These differences are by no means a reflection of disorganizaiton and lack of social or political cohesion, as some historians have suggested, but rather as a reflection of expected band independence and flexibility' (p. 100). This is illustrated in the text by the differences between the Brandywine and Okehocking bands in responding to land stress. Both of these bands, in contrast to other Lenape groups, are unusual in that they attempted to work through the colonial government to secure their ends.

HRAF PubDate

2003

Region

North America

Sub Region

Eastern Woodlands

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 2002

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

1550-1750

Coverage Place

Delaware River Valley, eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey, United States

Notes

Marshall J. Becker

Includes bibliographical references (p. 169-206)

LCCN

84040807

LCSH

Delaware Indians