Before the age of exploration, trade in North America was characterized by a diverse network of Indigenous trade systems. Various Native American tribes engaged in trade with one another, exchanging goods such as furs, pottery, textiles, food, and tools.
Key points about the status of trade prior to European exploration include:
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Regional Trade Networks: Different regions had their own trading practices and networks. For example, tribes in the Great Lakes region traded fish and furs, while Plains tribes exchanged bison products.
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Barter System: Trade primarily operated on a barter system where goods were exchanged directly without the use of currency.
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Cultural Exchange: Trade facilitated not just the exchange of goods but also cultural interactions, sharing of knowledge, and inter-tribal relationships.
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Long-Distance Trade Routes: Some tribes developed extensive trade routes that extended over large distances, connecting different cultural and geographical areas.
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Influence of Geography: The availability of resources impacted trade. Communities with access to certain natural resources, such as salt or metal, often became trade hubs.
Overall, trade prior to the age of exploration was complex and integral to the social and economic life of Indigenous peoples across North America.