‘Captured’ Exhibit Portrays Pre-Thanksgiving Native And Pilgrim Story
The “Captured” exhibit that opened earlier this month portrays the Pre-Thanksgiving Native and Pilgrim story, which began in 1614 with the kidnapping twenty seven Native men from Patuxet, (the later site of Plymouth village), reports Cape News. The exhibit, created and enacted by Mashpee Wampanoag tribe members and other Native Americans, celebrates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Mayflower.
The organization commemorating the event, Plymouth 400 Inc., states on its website that the exhibit “brings to light a piece of history that had a monumental effect on the Wampanoag tribe, their relationship with the Pilgrims, and the founding of Plymouth Colony.” It goes on to say that they will expand the exhibit each year until 2020, which includes adding more pieces of Wampanoag history, and that the exhibit will travel to public libraries and museums throughout the region.
Wicked Local Plymouth reports that Plymouth 400 Inc. “has been reaching out across oceans both to entice international tourists and to forge relations with England and the Netherlands, countries that played important roles in the Pilgrim story.”
Cape News reports that exhibit’s creators say that “its tale is one that is often left untold and foreshadows what would come for Native Americans with the arrival of the Mayflower nearly 400 years ago.” Further, the exhibit’s producer, Ms. Paula Peters of Mashpee adds that it is the Native Americans who were responsible for the survival of the colony and the subsequent celebration of Thanksgiving.
The production consists of both Aquinah and Mashpee Wampanoag tribe members who posed for still photos, acted in video reenactments, performed music, and worked in production including helping with design and costumes, as well as executive production.
Cape News reports that there is a video of a woman who tells of her brothers’ kidnapping, as well as how the “music her mother used to make has stopped.” There is also a reenactment of a man, bound with shackles, describing the frustration of his captivity.
As “Captured” emerges, telling the Native people’s story, other voices in the United States are also rising. The Inquisitr recently reported on a Native people’s protest at the Washington Redskins – San Francisco 49ers game at Levi’s Stadium, where they voiced their disapproval of using the Redskins name—calling it racism. One of the protestors, Andre Kramblit, said, “We’re the first people in this country. We should be treated with dignity.”
As “Captured” reaches audiences with the Pre-Thanksgiving Native and Pilgrim story, perhaps the holiday of giving thanks will include a recognition and remembrance of those Native Americans who made it possible.
[Image via WGBH]
