Askamaboo | |
---|---|
Born | |
Nationality | Wampanoag |
Title | Sachem |
Spouse | Spotso [1] |
Children | Daniel Spatssoo [2] |
Askamaboo also spelled Askamapoo or Askommopoo was a female Wampanoag sachem (also known as a paramount chief), whose territory was on the island Nantucket. [1] [3] She acted as sachem during the late 17th century. [4]
The Wampanoag were semisedentary and lived between fixed sites, moving seasonally within eastern Massachusetts and the islands. [5] Askamaboo was one of several women to earn the title of sachem, typically achieved through matrilineal property amassed or as a widow to a deceased sachem. [6] Askamaboo's family had amassed a large amount of land on Nantucket. [1]
Askamaboo was the daughter of the Sachem Nickanoose and his first, highest ranking wife. [2] [1] Nickanoose gave her hand in marriage to Nantucket sachem Spotso with whom she had her son Daniel. [1] Nickanoose transferred all of his property to his daughter, an exchange with lasting legal documents and witnessed by the Chappaquiddick sachem Pakeponessoo, and a second Wampanoag named Papumahchohoo. The written will was dated to August 18, 1660 by the Nantucket Historical Association. [4]
Though she recognized the importance of literacy, she herself was not literate–the Massachusetts Historical Society has a letter transferring her power of attorney to her son, Daniel Spatssoo, which she needed to have transcribed. [2] Her son would go on to become another sachem after her. [1]
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