Wampum: The Protocol of Indian Diplomacy
1949; Omohundro Institute of Early American History and Culture; Volume: 6; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês
10.2307/1916752
ISSN1933-7698
Autores Tópico(s)Military History and Strategy
ResumoHE word wampum constantly punctuates records relating to Indians on the colonial American frontier; again and again the word appears in the correspondence of frontiersmen and British soldiers, the reports of the Indian superintendents, and the manuscripts relating to the whole period. The history of wampum as a form of money has not been neglected, but little attention has been given to its place in colonial Indian diplomacy. Strange though it may seem, colorful wampum beads could have swayed many a course in Indian politics. In native diplomacy wampum was important partly because it was a common medium of exchange; it had certain mystic qualities never fully understood by Europeans. Beads, often called grains, had a definite value in terms of beaver pelts, deerskins, or even English coin.' But more important wampum also served as an effective method of communication between the tribesmen of colonial America. Learned sachems could read wampum belts, and most Indian chiefs had a basic understanding of wampum beads. When the war-hatchet was thrown upon the ground and the war-belt was handed to a chief, there was no question regarding the significance of the belt. Francis Parkman wrote that Pontiac organized his attacking warriors by sending ambassadors through the forest carrying the message of the conspiracy on wampum belts.2 Unfortunately for the Indians, George Croghan, deputy Indian superintendent, and Captain Donald Campbell of Fort Detroit were aware of the existence of these belts. The Indian attack did not come as a complete surprise.'
Referência(s)