Cherokee women did most of the farming, harvesting crops of corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers. Cherokee men did most of the hunting, shooting deer, bear, wild turkeys, and small game. They also fished in the rivers and along the coast. Cherokee dishes included cornbread, soups, and stews cooked on stone hearths.
What was the diet of the Cherokee?
The tribal diet commonly consisted of foods that were either gathered, grown, or hunted. The three sisters – corn, beans, and squash – were grown. Wild greens, mushrooms, ramps, nuts, and berries were collected. Deer, bears, birds, native fish, squirrels, groundhogs, and rabbits were all hunted.
What animals did the Cherokee have?
Unlike the plains Indians, the Cherokee lived in woodlands where animals were bountiful. They hunted a variety of animals including deer, turkey, fox, rabbit, elk and bear. Deer were especially important for the Cherokee lifestyle as they used every part, including the hides for clothing and tent-making.