"Better Wayes and Means Amongst the English, for the Attaining of ... Health and Life": Indian Powers of Choice in Conversion on Martha's Vineyard

Authors

Christina Gentile, Brigham Young University

Keywords

Spirituality, Wampanoaga Indian, religion, Christanity, Martha's Vineyard

Abstract

Nothing less than death was expected by herself and husband," English colonist Daniel Gookin wrote of a Wampanoag Indian in the mid-seventeenth century. The woman had been in labor for several days without sign of delivery, and, according to the other Indian residents of Martha's Vineyard, there was only one hope for her survival. "Send for a powow," the couple's relations exclaimed, "and use that help for release." The powwows, religious leaders known for their supernatural curing powers, often performed miracles in perilous circumstances and were thus always consulted in such situations. A powwow would be this woman's last chance, for if he could not help her, her death was certain.

Recommended Citation

Gentile, Christina (2008) ""Better Wayes and Means Amongst the English, for the Attaining of ... Health and Life": Indian Powers of Choice in Conversion on Martha's Vineyard," The Thetean: A Student Journal for Scholarly Historical Writing: Vol. 37: Iss. 1, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/thetean/vol37/iss1/5