The Tappan tribe, also known as the Tappan Lenape, were a Native American tribe inhabiting the region around the Hudson River in New York. They were part of the larger Lenape Nation. That nation was one of the most populous and influential indigenous groups in eastern North America prior to European contact.
The Tappan Lenape’s rich culture was deeply connected to the natural environment. They hunted, fished, and gathered wild plants and fruits to sustain themselves. They also practiced agriculture by growing corn, beans, and squash in fields that were cleared from the forest.
The Tappan Lenape were known for their skill in crafting tools, weapons, and decorative objects from natural materials. They used stone, bone, and antler to make tools for hunting and fishing. They also made pottery, baskets, and clothing from plants, animal hides, and fur.
The Tappan Lenape’s complex social structure based itself on kinship ties and clans. These clans organized themselves around maternal lines. And each clan represented itself by its own totem or animal symbol. The Tappan Lenape believed that they were descended from the spirits of the animals and plants that were important to their survival. They also had a system of chiefs and councils that were responsible for making decisions about the welfare of the tribe.
First Contact
The Tappan Lenape were one of the first Native American groups to come into contact with European explorers and colonizers. In the early 1600’s, Dutch settlers established a trading post at what is now present-day Manhattan. It was there that they began to trade with the Lenape. The Tappan Lenape were initially open to trade with the Europeans. But, their relationship soon deteriorated as the Dutch encroached on their land and resources.
In 1643, the Tappan Lenape, along with several other Lenape tribes, formed an alliance with the Dutch against the Mohawk and the other Iroquois nations. However, the Dutch eventually betrayed their Lenape allies and made a separate peace with the Iroquois. This led to a period of conflict between the Lenape and the Iroquois that lasted for decades.
In the late 1600s, the Tappan Lenape were forced to give up their land and move further north. Over time, their population declined due to disease, war, and assimilation. Today, there are still people who identify as Tappan Lenape, but their numbers are small.
Preserving a Legacy
The Tappan Lenape left a lasting legacy in the region around the Hudson River. Many of the place names in the area, such as Tappan Zee and Tappan Lake, are derived from the Tappan Lenape language. The Tappan Zee Bridge, which crosses the Hudson River between Westchester and Rockland counties, takes its name from the Tappan Lenape.
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in preserving and promoting the culture and history of the Tappan Lenape. Efforts have been made to document their language, traditions, and artifacts. The Tappan Lenape have also been recognized as a sovereign nation by the state of New Jersey. And they are working to regain federal recognition as a tribe as well.
With the Tappan Lenape’s rich culture that was deeply connected to the natural environment, they left a lasting legacy on the history of the region. Both their descendants, and those who still live in their former homeland, continue to preserve and promote their heritage.
