Native American Heritage Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor the culture and history of our nation’s Native Americans.
There are some reasons why people may want to claim Native American ancestry. But the requirements to prove a connection can be confusing.
Eyes
One of the Native American ancestry physical traits that set them apart from other races is their eyes. Their eyes are typically slanted and almond-shaped, and they have thick eyelashes. They also have long noses and wide feet, among other things.
Some Native Americans have blue eyes due to their exposure to Caucasian light for many generations before they colonized the continent. Others have yellow or brown eyes, which are a combination of ancestry from Europe, Africa, and Asia.
Another way to tell if your ancestor is Native American is by looking at their burial records. Some people are buried with willows on their gravestones, a sign of their Native American ancestry.
Whether or not you have Native American ancestry, starting your research with personal family history is always a good idea. You can find interesting stories of your ancestors to share with your children. Or you could have pictures of your grandparents that show them with their traditional dress and hairstyles. If you have any of these items on hand, it is a good idea to compare them with published photos of Native American families.
Nose
The ancestors of most American Indian people first came over the newly-frozen land bridge between Siberia and Alaska about 15,000-30,000 years ago. Upon their arrival, they populated the Americas with hundreds of unique states, societies, and cultures.
They had distinctive facial features unique to their race and boasted a warrior heritage that stood up against the best army in the world at that time. They were also known for their endurance of suffering and respect for nature.
These characteristics are still evident in many modern American Indian groups, which emphasize harmony with nature and the endurance of suffering. High respect for women is another characteristic of many Native American groups. This translates to a strong belief in respect and non-interference toward others. This characteristic can make it difficult for Native American individuals and families to seek help when facing difficulties.
Cheekbones
When people think about their ancestors, they usually envision people with high cheekbones or straight dark hair. But, there are many other Native Americans who possess features that stand out from the rest of their tribes.
Aside from their facial features, Native Americans also have unique skeletal traits that help them distinguish themselves from other races. For instance, they have rounded eye orbits much wider than Europeans.
Those who strongly desire to learn more about their Native American ancestry may want to consider taking a DNA test. However, this will not tell you where your ancestors came from or who they are related to. Suppose you want to learn more about your ancestry. In that case, it is best to accumulate pertinent documentation, such as birth, marriage, and death records, pointing to your direct lineage to a recognized Native American Ancestor.
Hair
When compared with other races, Native American ancestry is distinguished by a unique set of physical features. These include high cheekbones, slanted eyes, long dark hair, and light brown to dark brown skin.
While some tribes may have more or less hair than others, most Native Americans have a straight, wavy, curly, thick, and voluminous head of hair with a natural length of 40cm to 100cm. Those with this hair type are rare, especially in other ethnic groups.
Moreover, they have well-developed shovel-shaped teeth that are typically average in size. They also have ears that are large, rounded, and wide.
In addition, their hair is usually coiled and tightly woven, much like African hair. Unlike African hair, however, it is not associated with an increased risk of alopecia or other health issues. The height of the average Native American male was 172.6 centimeters (about 5 feet, 8 inches).
Teeth
One of the best ways to understand your ancestry is to look at the unique physical characteristics that each tribe has. These include high cheekbones, slanted or almond-shaped eyes, long dark hair, light brown to dark brown skin, and wide feet.
You can also look at your ancestors’ teeth for clues about their family’s history. They can give you clues about how your ancestors were related to each other, how they were related to other people who lived in that area, and even their lifestyle.
Feet
Native Americans are known for their unique physical characteristics that set them apart from other people. They were the first people to inhabit what is known as the United States today and have a rich cultural heritage that has seen them thrive for centuries.
One of the biggest factors that make Native American Ancestry different from other humans is their feet. They have well-formed feet and hands that are typically smaller than what you’d see in whites.
Their feet have high arches and an extra ridge off the bone on the outer part of the foot. They also have crooked fingers and very long shovel-like teeth.
There is a theory called foot shape genealogy that says your feet can tell you about the race of your ancestors. This is based on the belief that five major foot shapes can hint at the ancient ethnic groups from which your ancestors came.
