Description
The Pawtucket tribe were a confederation of Eastern Algonquian-speaking Native Americans in present-day northeastern Massachusetts and southeastern New Hampshire. They are mostly known in the historical record for their dealings with the early English colonists in the 17th century. Confusion exists about the proper endonym for this group who are variously referred to in European documents as Pawtucket, Naumkeag, Wamesit, or Mystic Indians, or by the name of their current sachem or sagamore.
Language
The Pawtucket tribe were a confederation of Eastern Algonquian-speaking
Culture
Pawtucket shamans practiced sorcery against their enemies: the Mohawks (Kanienkahaka) and the Tarrantines (Mi’Kmaq) and later the English or the French. Eligibility for leadership was passed on within these families, fathers to sons and sometimes to daughters or leaders’ widows. A council of elders from the whole band chose the individual leaders from the eligible families by unanimous vote.