Pamunkey Gourd Water Jug: A Study in Historical Context
To make the gourd water jug pictured, first the Pamunkey had to dry the gourd for many weeks. Then, they could cut off the top of the gourd, which would allow the Native Virginians to empty out the seeds and chaff inside the gourd. Lastly, they would have coated the outside and inside of the jug in wax, to ensure that the water does not leak and to stave off decay. What use did this jug have that justified spending time creating it? Who made it, and who used it? In this essay, using the system rather than object approach advocated for by Carson, I argue that while the native Virginian women would have made the jug, Native Virginian men would have used it, probably on hunting trips and it would have likely been full of water, showing the gender roles, and other key aspects about the Pamunkey.[1]
The gourd jug pictured was most likely made by Native Virginian women and used by men. In some places, Native Virginian gender roles differed dramatically from that of the Europeans. Agriculture was the responsibility of the women in the Pamunkey Tribe, as the men were busy hunting. Thus, to make this jug, it was likely that the women planted, dried, cut, and emptied the gourd. Moreover, Women prepared the food.[2] Thus, they most likely took the corn out of the cob to make flour for bread, or something similar and they decide instead of throwing it away, to use the cob as a cork.[3] In Native Virginian culture, the men were the hunters. This is shown by the fact that only boys were taught to use a bow during childhood.[4] Thus, this jug gives us an insight into the gender roles of Native Virginians.
This jug was probably used by Native Virginian men on hunting trips and most likely held water. This is shown by four aspects of the jug and Pamunkey culture. First, the leather band tied around the gourd has a loop that would have been attached to the belts that Native Virginians are often seen wearing.[5] If the jug lacked this band, it could be expected to be part of a meal set, which did not need to travel long distances. Second, it is corked by a corn cob. This indicates that the jug needs to be able to hold water upside-down and while swinging from a belt. Again, if the jug lacked a cork, it would be expected to be part of a stationary meal set. Third, the jug is not decorative or overly perfect. This is not a reflection on Native culture- Native Virginians often made incredibly beautiful artwork. It is reflective of the purpose of the jug; making the jug already took time and resources, and if it was simply to accompany native men on hunting trips there was no purpose in making it beautiful. It was a utilitarian object. Lastly, the jug contained water because it shocked English colonists that the Native Americans drank water- as Englishmen, they drank beer since the water in England was not drinkable.[6] These four aspects of the jug and Pamunkey culture establish that it was Native Virginian Men who used the jug, probably on hunting trips, and used it to carry water.
Viewing this jug as a system, analyzing who built and used it, and trying to decern a purpose to its way of construction rather than simply describing it gives a more complete view of Native Virginian culture. It was made by Women since they were the farmers and prepared the food. It was used by men since only they were taught to use bows, and since only Native Virginian men far away from their village would need a jug to be attached to their belt. The jug’s cork also suggests that it was used on hunting trips, where men may need to be able to run without spilling water. Thus, this jug is an insight into the native culture and gender roles.
[1] Carson, B. G. (n.d.). In Interpreting History Through Objects (pp. 2–4). essay.
[2] Kupperman, K. O. (n.d.). Settling In (p. 31).
[3] Id. p. 21.
[4] Id. pgs. 31-33.
[5] Breen, B. (n.d.). Painting the New World.
[6] Kupperman, K. O. (n.d.). Settling In (p. 29).