.png){kind=icon}
Assessment Questions 14.3
1. How was the social structure of the northwest coast native peoples organized?
The social structure included hereditary chiefs, free people divided into three ranks, and slaves. Prestige and status were achieved through a complex political system.
2. What were potlatches, and how did they contribute to social prestige?
Potlatches were celebrations where chiefs distributed much of their wealth to group members. Increased prestige and status were achieved by giving away excess wealth rather than hoarding it.
3. Why were the native peoples of the northwest coast considered "affluent foragers"?
They were termed "affluent foragers" because they thrived in a resource-privileged region, relying on wild foods for subsistence instead of agriculture.