Answer:
The irony of this excerpt is that there is a belief from the men about the incapability of the women to discover or uncover any substantial information, but in real circumstances, women are the ones who would uncover an information and discover evidence. The men laughed and the women were embarrassed because it seemed like the men were mocking them.
Explanation:
Native Americans have been hunterers and gatherers up to the period when growing crops became available to them/when they discovered growing crops is a thing that could be done. The reason for this is that when you've started growing crops, you can safely stay on one spot and have a sufficient supply of food for a longer time period - this wasn't available before. However, even with the coming of agriculture, the still hunted and gathered as it was an important aspect of their life.