Powhatan's Mantle

Sorry for the poor picture, but I hope that you can make out that this was a mantle, worn over other clothing.

This mantle seems a rather ordinary piece of Native American Clothing -- however, its true history is anything but ordinary.

You might remember the story of Pocahontas and Captain John Smith. Though most of the story is really just an embellished legend, the main characters of Powhatan (Pocahantas's father), Pocahontas, and Capt. John Smith are historical.

Well, when Capt. John Smith met Powhatan, he was presented with the mantle of the chief. He, in turn, brought that mantle back to Europe with him. He then presented that mantle to the founder of this museum (as part of a bequest at his death).

So, the mantle pictured above was actually owned by Powhatan, of the Pocahantas story.

Pretty interesting!

(If you aren't familiar with the Pocahantas story, the historical version of the story can be found at: http://www.apva.org/history/pocahont.html.)