Nanapashemet
The great Sachem of the Massachuset Federation.
Nanapashemet's wife who took over his domain upon his death.
Wonohaquaham
Eldest son of Squaw Sachem and Nanapashemet.
Middle son of Squaw Sachem and Nanapashemet.
Wenepoykin
Youngest son of Squaw Sachem and Nanapashemet.
Yawate
Only daughter of Squaw Sachem and Nanapashemet.
Webcowit
Squaw Sachem's second husband and Nanapashemet's physician.

People

The People of the Massachuset

Sadly, severe oppression forced the Massachuset language and customs underground and eventually into extinction. Descendants of the Massachuset do live on, however. But that same oppression tore great swaths of information from our history books and there are few records on Massachuset genealogy.

To learn about the people who were the leaders of the Massachuset Federation simply click on a name to the left. A small pop-up window will explain a little bit about each person. These are not complete histories, merely a glimpse into the lives of each one.

About our photos

The photo you see on the right was taken by The Menotomy Journal. It is a sculpture created by the famous Cyrus Dallin. It is part of the Robbins Memorial Flagstaff at Town Hall in Arlington, Massachusetts. The sculpture is a symbolic memorial to Squaw Sachem. We're really not sure if she ever looked anything like that.

The other photo we feature on this website is another sculpture by Cyrus Dallin. It stands in Robbins Park between Arlington Town Hall and the Robbins Library in Arlington, Massachusetts. The work is titled Menotomy Indian Hunter and stands in tribute to the Massachuset who once inhabited that land.

Both works were created in the early 1900's during a time when far less was known about the Eastern Woodlands tribes. As a result, the sculptures are not accurate in style and dress. We picture them here because their power and beauty are remarkable and honorable memorials to the Massachuset -- and to all of America's First Nations.