Member-only story

Monumental Mobility: The Memory Work of Massasoit

Allen Ginsberg

·19.1k Followers· Follow

Published in Edgar Wollstone

4 min read · 3 weeks before

353 View Claps

52 Respond

Save

Listen

<meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1.0"> <meta name="keywords" content="Massasoit, Wampanoag, Native American, American history, memory, culture, mobility"> <link rel="stylesheet" href="style.css"> <p>In her new book, <em>Monumental Mobility: The Memory Work of Massasoit</em>, Margaret M. Bruchac examines how the Wampanoag leader Massasoit has been represented in American memory and culture. The book argues that Massasoit's mobility was a key aspect of his leadership and that his ability to move between different worlds allowed him to negotiate successfully with the English colonists.</p> <h2>Massasoit's Mobility</h2> <p>Massasoit was born around 1580 in what is now Massachusetts. He was the sachem, or leader, of the Wampanoag Confederacy, a powerful alliance of Algonquian-speaking tribes. Massasoit was a skilled diplomat and negotiator, and he played a key role in the early history of relations between the Wampanoag and the English colonists.</p> <p>One of the most striking things about Massasoit was his mobility. He traveled extensively throughout his territory, and he was also known to visit the English settlements at Plymouth and Boston. Massasoit's mobility allowed him to maintain close relationships with both the Wampanoag and the English, and it gave him a unique perspective on the changing world around him.</p> <h2>Massasoit's Memory Work</h2> <p>Massasoit's mobility also played a key role in his memory work. By traveling extensively and interacting with people from different cultures, Massasoit was able to collect and disseminate information about the past and present. He used this information to shape the way that the Wampanoag remembered their history and to negotiate with the English colonists.</p> <p>For example, Massasoit was one of the first Native Americans to learn about the English concept of writing. He used this knowledge to create a written record of his own history and culture. Massasoit's writings provide a valuable glimpse into the Wampanoag worldview and the early history of relations between the Wampanoag and the English.</p> <h2>Monumental Mobility</h2> <p>Margaret M. Bruchac argues that Massasoit's mobility was a form of "monumental mobility." She writes that Massasoit's "ability to move between different worlds and to negotiate between different cultures allowed him to create a lasting legacy for himself and his people." Massasoit's mobility allowed him to shape the way that he was remembered by both the Wampanoag and the English, and it continues to inspire people today.</p> <p>Margaret M. Bruchac's <em>Monumental Mobility: The Memory Work of Massasoit</em> is a groundbreaking work that sheds new light on the life and legacy of one of the most important Native American leaders in history. Bruchac's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Native American history, memory, and culture.</p>

Alt Attributes for Images:

Massasoit's portrait: A portrait of Massasoit, the Wampanoag leader.
Massasoit's meeting with the Pilgrims: Massasoit meets with the Pilgrims at Plymouth in 1621.
Massasoit's treaty with the English: Massasoit signs a treaty with the English in 1638.
Massasoit's grave: The grave of Massasoit in Warren, Rhode Island.