- Agricultural Products: Many Native American tribes engaged in agriculture and cultivated various crops. They provided agricultural goods such as corn, beans, squash, tobacco, and sunflowers to other tribes and European settlers.
- Animal Products: Native Americans hunted and gathered a wide range of animals for food, clothing, and other purposes. They provided animal products such as furs, pelts, hides, meat, and dried meat (jerky) in exchange for other goods.
- Natural Resources: Native Americans had knowledge of and access to various natural resources that were valuable to other groups. These resources included minerals, gemstones, shells, and pigments used for making jewelry, tools, and decorative objects.
- Technology and Craftsmanship: Native American artisans were skilled in crafting a variety of items, including pottery, textiles, baskets, clothing, and tools. These goods were often traded with other tribes and with European settlers.
- Artistic Creations: Native American art, including paintings, sculptures, carvings, and beadwork, was highly valued by other cultures and became a significant part of the trade network.
- Trading Knowledge and Expertise: Native Americans served as guides, traders, and interpreters for European settlers and explorers, sharing their knowledge of the land, resources, and trade routes.
- Cultural Exchange: Beyond material goods, Native Americans also exchanged cultural practices, beliefs, and knowledge. They taught European settlers about traditional medicine, agriculture, and survival skills, contributing to the cultural exchange between different civilizations.
It is important to note that trade networks were not always balanced, and Native Americans were often subject to exploitation and unfair trade practices by European colonists and traders. However, trade also provided opportunities for cultural exchange, diplomacy, and economic growth within and between Native American communities.