OCR Text |
Show BASIS OP AMERICAN HISTORY [ 1500 monarchy. The clan was still the basis of the social structure, and the method of choosing chiefs and councillors was quite similar to that found among the Iroquois. Land was the property of the clan, and was assigned to the individual, who could hold it only as long as he cultivated it properly. The tribes conquered by the confederacy were required to pay tribute, which was collected by certain officials of the league and distributed between its members, Mexico getting two- fifths. The tributary tribes were also required to furnish warriors in case of need at the demand of the confederacy. Among these peoples agriculture was still fundamental, but manufactures and trade were also considerably developed. Certain towns and regions became noted for particular products, and regular markets under governmental supervision were held in specified places. Great skill was displayed in the carving of wood, shells, and precious stones, and in gold and silver work. The products and art of the different regions were usually quite distinctive, especially in the better grades of pottery, which was often beautifully ornamented. The religious system may also be regarded as a higher development of that found among the northern tribes. The mythology had become more systematized and the power of the priesthood had increased. The endeavor to propitiate the gods and to cause them to grant favoring rains and abundant crops is still most in evidence; but in |