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| Everyday
Native Chesepian Life Revealed |
| Rountree
Shares Details of Elizabeth River's First Natives |
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Dr. Helen Rountree
amazed an overflow crowd at the River Center with details of a rich
culture that thrived here long ago. Dr. Rountree, former ODU anthropologist
professor, author and expert on Virginia's Native Americans mesmerized more
than 30 visitors crowded into the Living River Classroom. She brought their
culture, strength, habitat and reliance on the river to life with
captivating detail.
Along with her vivid descriptions, participants
could sense what the everyday lives of these early inhabitants were like
through elaborate exhibits of authentic tools, clothing, weapons and
jewelry. Tasty examples of their diet—pumpkin pie, corn bread, fruits and
nuts—brought the Chesepian culture and ours even closer together.
ERP's Princess Elizabeth hosted younger
visitors with activities including playing antler ring toss and making clay
beaded necklaces. The children also heard the story of popcorn's origin.
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Interesting facts about the Chesepians include
the following:
- They were an independent tribe, possible
extinct. It is believed they may have been wiped out by King Powhatan
(who ruled the largest chiefdom in North America) when they refused to
join the Nansemond Tribe.
- They raised corn, squash, beans and
native tobacco.
- They built houses from the bent wood of
saplings.
- The Chesepians bathed everyday in the
river and were cleaner than the Europeans who came later.
- Men were "built like cross country
marathon runners", according to Rountree. They averaged 5 feet 7
1/2 inches, taller than Europeans at that time. They were predominately
hunters and warriors. They decorated themselves with tattoos and jewelry
made of beads and shells.
- Women were built like "piano movers",
says Rountree. They had denser bones and muscles than modern men.
They averaged 5 feet 3 inches in height. Their work consisted of
building houses, gathering firewood, making pots and farming.
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