Description
The Doeg (also called Dogue, Taux, Tauxenent) were a Native American people who lived in Virginia. They spoke an Algonquian language and may have been a branch of the Nanticoke tribe, historically based on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. The Nanticoke considered the Algonquian Lenape as "grandfathers". The Doeg are known for a raid in July 1675 that contributed to colonists' uprising in Bacon's Rebellion. The Doeg were one of the few tribes in Virginia to remain independent from the Powhatan tributaries.
Language
Algonquian
Culture
The Doegs had a structured society, living in villages and, although they hunted and fished, planted crops of maize (corn), pumpkins, sunflowers, squash, beans and tobacco in fields adjacent to their villages. The Doeg's tribal chiefs were male, but inherited their high position through female lineage. Holding absolute power of life and death over tribal members, they were permitted as many wives as they could support. Lesser officials included the cockarounse (an advisor); the priest having charge of the temple and advising on matters of war; and the shaman. The priest and shaman performed rites and maintained a temple containing remains of deceased werowances.