Message-ID: <alpine.NEB.2.20.1708042141160.22014@panix3.panix.com>
From: Alan Sondheim <sondheim@panix.com>
To: Cyb <cybermind@listserv.wvu.edu>, Wryting-L <WRYTING-L@listserv.wvu.edu>
Subject: Sachems' (Chiefs') Marks from Early Rhode Island
Date: Fri, 4 Aug 2017 21:43:59 -0400 (EDT)
Sachems' (Chiefs') Marks from Early Rhode Island http://www.alansondheim.org/rw05.jpg I've photographed these marks directly from Fone's Record, 1660; they are Native American signatures on early documents around the time of Rhode Island's founding. They constitute another layer of identification, largely but not entirely, between the Narragansett and the colonists. Roger Williams is prominent here, as are two Sachems who were his friends. Williams is also known for his code used in scriptural notes; this was recently decrypted. The marks are part of American history, touching on code and codework. I'm grateful to Rhode Island State Archives for permitting me to photograph the signatures. No flash was used and the camera was hand-held. There is additional material in the images, including drawn wax seals, Williams' signature on the charter of Providence, etc. https://www.flickr.com/photos/149167406@N08/