I need Native American information, specifically Pocahontas?

Question

I am doing a book illustration of Pocahontas, and I want it to be an accurate historical representation. I have read that she would have probably actually been topless (but this is a history book for homeschooled children so that will not be appropriate). I did also read that in the wintertime, she would have worn a "mantle of turkey feathers." I think that this will solve the topless issue. But my problem is knowing what an Algonquin mantle would look like...do they mean a cape? What would the neck and closure part be like? A description or a photo or drawing to show me something close to it is what I need. Also headwear/head gear, what would she have? Any help is appreciated, any other details that would be important to the portrait are needed. Thanks!

The statue of Pocahontas at Colonial Williamsburg is also inaccurate...don't worry, I don't want the Disney version. I am asking because I have already Googled and tried, and I'm hoping I can find someone who is very knowledgeable about Native American Studies to help me. Thanks

I meant the statue in Jamestown...it is inaccurate and shows her in Plains native american indian dress, so I can't use that either...

Answer 1

I can't tell you, but I would research extensively on the tribe and related tribes first of all. I can't say how they were, though I know many tribes/Nations had a lot of modesty, so I would search for information on their traditional clothing to get an idea for certain of what their women used to wear.

Photo of mother and child, but not sure what date http://www.kateritekakwitha.org/ancestry/algonquin/mother.htm

http://www.native-languages.org/algonquin_culture.htm
http://www.kateritekakwitha.org/ancestry/algonquin/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin

Answer 2

I think you are working off of some very biased information. Consider your sources.

I am a Native woman and have never heard of Native women running around topless (even back in the day). We did know how to make clothes and took use of them.

Also, I don't think anyone wore clothes or capes made out of turkey feathers. I told my boyfriend about these things and we laughed hard. There were other things to make clothes from like animal skin. And the turkey wasn't necessarily the best bird to get feathers from.

I am sorry but those are ridiculous.

Here are some more accurate websites about Pocohantas and her tribe (powhatan). The powhatan links talk about clothing and may have some pics.
http://www.powhatan.org/pocc.html
http://www.hanksville.org/storytellers/pewe/writing/Pocahontas.html
http://www.bluecorncomics.com/princess.htm
http://www.native-languages.org/powhatan.htm
http://www.powhatan.org/museum.html

Answer 3

Google Pocahontas
Do an image search on Algonquin pieces

and don't listen to the fake romance story. I took a field trip with my daughters class to Colonial Williamsburg, that's the first thing they set you straight on.

Answer 4

Try Google or something.

Try www.wikipedia.org and type pocahontas. I use it all the time.

Answer 5

well watch the movie or go to the internet or if you live in nc the go to the washington house it has indian stuff from 1862

Answer 6

http://www.incwell.com/Biographies/Pocahontas.html
here is a brief bio on her