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MODULE 2.3a The Regions of British Colonies 67

AP ® WORKING with EVIDENCE
These sample pages are distributed by Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.
Source: Powhatan, Chief of Algonquian-Speaking Powhatan Confederation, Deerskin
Cloak, c. 1608

Copyright (c) 2024 Bedford, Freeman & Worth Publishers.

Strictly for use with its products. NOT FOR REDISTRIBUTION.

Maidun Collection/Alamy

About the source: Chief Powhatan wore this deerskin cloak for tribal ceremonies.
The objects on this cloak are made from shells, which were considered items of value
by the Powhatan people. The circles could represent regions under Powhatan’s con-
trol, the animals most likely represent deer, and the individual in the center represents
Chief Powhatan.
Questions for Analysis
1. Describe the arrangement of the images and materials that make up this cloak.
2. Explain what the arrangement of the images and materials that make up this cloak
reveals about the Powhatan and the Algonquian-speaking peoples.
3. Explain the role Powhatan politics played in fostering conflict with European colonists.

When Powhatan Indians captured Smith and two other Virginia Company men in
1607, all but Smith were executed. Chief Powhatan then performed what was likely an
adoption ceremony to bring Smith into his family and under his rule. The ceremony
would have involved him sending out one of his daughters — in this case, Pocahontas,
who was about twelve years old — to indicate that the captive was spared. In Chief Pow-
hatan’s culture, the capture, executions, ceremony, and release of an English leader
established his dominance over Smith and the English.
Virginia Company leaders like Captain Smith considered Powhatan and his war-
riors a threat rather than an ally. During the first years of settlement, Jamestown colo-
nists hoped to achieve wealth quickly, ideally by stealing or mining precious metals, as
the Spanish had during the previous century. The search for gold led these early colo-
nists to neglect establishing a steady source of food. Unable to feed themselves that first
year, Jamestown residents raided Powhatan villages for corn and other food, making
Powhatan increasingly distrustful of the colonists.

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