What Native American tribes scalped and why?
SunkaLutaSioux, I think I can answer your question without demonizing or demeaning any ethnic group or race like the other answerers have done. Here are some tribes that practiced scalping (before Europeans showed up): the Iroquois, the Huron, the Chichimec, and the Muskhogean tribes. Other tribes that took scalps were the Pawnees, the Sioux, the Cheyenne, the Natchez, the Fox/Meskwaki, the Pequot, and the Cherokee. Yes, Europeans took scalps too. “Bloody” Bill Anderson took many Union Scalps during the Civil War. Why take scalps? Well, taking scalps served many purposes and motivations. Scalping is one way to confirm an enemy body count after a battle or a raid. Taking many scalps was a way to earn respect, increase a warrior’s status, and improve standing. The fear factor and intimidation that comes from scalp collecting sends a powerful message to anyone who is hostile. There were also spiritual and superstitious purposes to scalping: it was believed by some that in taking another warrior’s scalp, the scalper would have his powers in the next battle. Cruelty is also another motivation for scalping—some wore scalps as a decoration and they could even be trading commodities. Monetary rewards were also given in exchange for scalps. (Please note that I’m not justifying this gruesome practice, I’m just explaining the psychology and motivation behind it.) Some of the answerers here think that Europeans brought scalping to North America. This revisionist history is simply false and can easily be debunked by the Crow Creek Massacre which occurred in the early 1300’s (over 100 years before Columbus came). The site contains nearly 500 bodies in which 90% of the victims were scalped. The Crow Creek Site is located near Chamberlain, South Dakota. This doesn’t mean that Europeans weren’t aware of the practice or that they didn’t engage in it, but scalping wasn’t new when they arrived in North America.
What made the Native Americans so smart?
Mesopotamia was in modern day Iraq, no where near the Americas. If you want to learn about even more ancient, but unknown cultures try the Lower Danube Valley culture from Germany or the Kushites, they were both around before the Mesopatamians. People just don't know as much about them because other civilizations were built on top of them, so archaelogists are just now finding them. There were ancient Druids in central Ireland that had celestial calendars more precise than the Mesopatamians, Aztecs and Egyptians too *not as good as the mayans though.*
What are some mind-blowing facts about Japan?
A lot of things have already been said! But I will share a few more based on my personal experiences & visits to a few Japanese corporates!Gifting is a religion there. The companies overburdened with souvenirs. a) Tokyo Stock Exchangeb) CITIZEN Factory: A famous Japanese company for Digital equipments. They welcomed with Cap, good luck charms, pen etc.c) TCS Japan: Not purely Japanese but the Japanese branch of an indian company2. Heavy reliance on Seafood / Non-Vegetarian: Being an Indian vegetarian, it can be very difficult to survive in Japan without prior preparations. A funny incident happened when one of my friends asked for vegetarian options in a hotel to which the waiter replied if “Ohh, you are pure veg! So only egg or fish will do”!It’s just a huge tuna fish-head. Nothing worth seeing :P3. Strong focus on detailing In India, we don’t really know what detailing mean. Apart from warm-seater toilets and technologically advanced traffic system, even their menus are detailed for various spice levels.4. Tokyo Stock Xchange: They must be the only stock exchange who use opposite signs. The stocks which are improving are shown in red while the falling stocks are shown in green. They have interesting reasoning for that! Want to take a guess? Comment section, please!5. Indian Food: A little bit of patriotism is necessary, right! For a risk-averse person like me who doesn’t take risk when it comes to food, I searched for Indian restaurants. I finally stumbled upon a scene in a Tokyo Hotel which was mind-blowing! India-Pakistan rivalry is well-known but who knew the two flags can be seen together on the streets of Tokyo. This restaurant was run by Shaikh Sahab, a Pakistani who got so emotional to know that I am an Indian. He offered a delicious free tandoori chicken! What more can you expect? Much love, sir! <36. Cars: The most exquisite models of cars in any country. McLaren, Porsche, Ferrari etc. you name it!It was an extremely interesting country for me to explore! I wish you all the luck for the Tokyo Olympics 2020.Last but not the least, it would be a shame to not show the beauty of Tokyo and what their cleanliness is all about.I will keep adding !Thanks for reading :) . Have a nice day!