Most Iroquois clothing was made frm deerskin. In the winter, they wore fringed deerskin shirts. Sometimes men wore kilts and caps that were covered with feathers. Iroquois women wore long deerskin skirts and leggings. In the winter, they wore fringed capes as blouses. Iroquois clothing was decorated with colorful beads and quills. Both men and women wore moccasins.
The Iroquois were mostly farmers. The three most important crops were corn, beans, and squash. The Iroquois called these three crops "The Three Sisters." The Iroquois also hunted game, fished, and gathered fruits and nuts. In the spring, the Iroquois collected sap frm maple trees and made maple syrup. When it was harvest time, women and children picked corn and gathered nuts. Iroquois men hunted in the mountains for deer and moose.
The Iroquois built long, narrow buildings called longhouses. A longhouse was home to many Iroquois families. A long hallway divided the longhouse into two halves. Each family lived in a small area divided into two levels. On the upper level, they stored their belongings. On the lower level, the family slept.
The Iroquois formed a Great Council to decide important matters. Iroquois women were in charge of the village. They chose the men who would be on the Council. The women owned the property. They farmed and took care of the children. The men hunted and were good fur traders. They used deads called wampum for trading. Boys learned how to hunt, trap, and fish. Girls learned how to plant seeds, cook, and make clothing.