of a Powhatan Woman
Firewood is correct!
Powhatan women kept fires going all of the time. In the morning, they would gather firewood. They used the firewood to keep fires going inside their yehakins (homes) and outside where they cooked food. They also taught Powhatan children how to make fires.
How do we know what we know?
Colonist William Strachey recorded what he saw about Powhatan life. He wrote “The women have a great care to maintain and keep firelight still within their houses. And if at any time it go out, they take it for an evil sign.”
Colonist William Strachey recorded what he saw about Powhatan life. He wrote “The women have a great care to maintain and keep firelight still within their houses. And if at any time it go out, they take it for an evil sign.”