Nauset
The Nauset are a historical Indigenous group from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and are part of the Algonquian language family. Often referred to as Cape Indians, their presence in the region dates back thousands of years. The Nauset were primarily coastal dwellers, relying on a diet rich in fish, seafood, maize, beans, and pumpkins, and they utilized clay pots for cooking and created woven fabrics and leather goods. They interacted with early European traders and navigators, with notable encounters including the kidnapping of several Nauset by Captain Thomas Hunt in 1614. Historically, the Nauset were known for their generally amicable relations with English settlers, even assisting the Plymouth colonists during times of hardship. Although the community faced significant challenges, including disease and conflict, many Nauset adopted Christianity and maintained their cultural practices. By the early 19th century, their population had severely diminished, and they are not federally recognized as a distinct tribe today, but descendants likely exist through intermarriage with the Wampanoag. The Nauset's rich history highlights their resilience and adaptability in the face of significant change.
Nauset
- CATEGORY: Tribe
- CULTURE AREA: Northeast
- LANGUAGE GROUP: Algonquian
- PRIMARY LOCATION: Cape Cod, Massachusetts
The Nauset, a branch of the Algonquian family, lived on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. Their name's meaning is unknown, and they were also commonly known as Cape Indians. They were related to or controlled by the Wampanoag (“eastern people”). Evidence suggests they had lived in the area for thousands of years. Because of their coastal location, they probably came into contact with White traders and navigators very early. In 1614, seven Nauset were kidnapped and sold into slavery by Captain Thomas Hunt of England. French explorer Samuel de Champlain also visited them early in the century. For the most part, the Nauset were friendly with English settlers in the area, and many adopted Christianity. Most stayed friendly even through King Philip’s War between the settlers and Indigenous Americans, and some went so far as to aid the White settlers. The Nauset lived in permanent villages and ate a diet of fish and seafood as well as maize, beans, and pumpkins. They cooked food in clay pots, stirred it with wooden utensils, and created beautiful woven fabrics and leather goods. In 1622, the Nauset shared corn and beans with starving Plymouth colonists. In 1617, they escaped the great pestilence that killed many Indigenous Americans along the East Coast, but around 1710, they lost many people to fever, and only a few hundred Nauset remained. By 1802, only a few Nauset were still alive. Although the Nauset nation is not recognized federally as an Indigenous nation, descendants of the Nauset likely remain due to intermarriage, mainly with the Wampanoag.
Bibliography
Alexander, Kathy. "Nauset Tribe of Cape Cod, Massachusetts." Legends of America, Jan. 2023, www.legendsofamerica.com/nauset-tribe. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.
McManamon, Francis. "The Nauset Archaeological District - Eastham - Cape Cod National Seashore." National Park Service, 31 Oct. 2017, www.nps.gov/caco/learn/historyculture/the-nauset-archaeological-district-eastham.htm. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.
"Nauset Indians." Town of Eastham Massachusetts, eastham-ma.gov/468/Nauset-Indians. Accessed 21 Oct. 2024.