Many Creek children like to go hunting and fishing with their fathers. Creek women taught their daughters to take care of their homes and gardens. In the past, Indian kids had more chores and less time to play. But they did have beaded dolls, toys and games to play with. Lacrosse was a popular sport among teenage boys.

Clothing and Appearance

Creek men wore breechcloths and leather leggings. Creek women wore wraparound skirts made of deerskin or woven fiber. Creek men did not originally wear shirts, but both men and women wore cloaks in cooler weather. The Creeks also wore moccasins on their feet. Creek men, especially warriors, decorated their bodies with tattoos. They often painted their faces bright red during battles and dances. Creek women didn't usually tattoo or paint themselves.


The Creeks were farming people. Creek women did most of the farming, harvesting crops of corn, beans, and squash. They also raised cows, horses and pigs. Creek men did most of the hunting, shooting deer, wild turkeys, and small game. They also fished in the rivers and along the coast. Creek dishes included cornbread, soups, and stews cooked on stone hearths.


The Creek people settled in what is now Alabama and Georgia . They lived in villages of single-family houses. Creek Indians lived in thatched huts that were plastered on the outside with clay. They were arranged in a rectangle around a village square that was used for public ceremonies. The Creek people also built larger circular buildings for ceremonial purposes. Some Creek villages had palisades (reinforced walls) around them, to guard against attack.

Weapons and Tools

Creek hunters primarily used bows and arrows. Fishermen used fishing spears, nets, or hooks made of bone. In war, Creek men fired their bows or fought with war clubs. Creek warriors also used hide shields to defend themselves.

created by Eden Clark, ITS, and Kris Cable, LMS (January 2007)