Why the cartoon Indian has his ear to ground?

The cartoon Indian with his ear to the ground is a common trope that originated from the 18th century. The idea behind showing the Indian listening this way is based on the belief shared among American settlers that Native Americans had the supernatural ability to hear things from great distances. This belief came from the Native Americans' keen hearing due to their cultural background and outdoor lifestyle, which made it easier for them to discern faint sounds than many European men living in colonial America. However, it's crucial to understand that this belief is a stereotypical portrayal and does not reflect the true diversity and complexity of Native American cultures and abilities.