Re: Song of Hiawatha -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 18:14:01 04/13/08 Sun
Author: Katelyn R.
Subject: Re: Song of Hiawatha
In reply to: CS Holden 's message, "Song of Hiawatha" on 08:36:30 04/10/08 Thu

That�s interesting that the historical Hiawatha was known for using seashells to make wampum and that it�s his enemies armor. Could it be showing how important the shells are to him? In other words he dedicates part of his life to using these seashells and making wampum, so the poem might represent how he found the shells. I�m not sure if that makes any sense but it�s a thought. So the wampum he would create would be a sign of courage. I did a little research on wampum and what I found said that it is considered a sign of internal peace and contentment.
I tried looking for some symbols for what the woodpecker might signify � some were positive and others negative. Here is some of what I found (not sure if they will help you with this story or not):
Woodpecker
�The woodpecker, like the falcon, was probably a symbol of war to the prehistoric Mississippian Indians. The war symbolism of the bird probably derived from the red head of the bird, which resembled a bloodied scalping victim. The Cherokees associated the red-headed woodpecker with danger and war, and the woodpecker was always invoked for aid by the ball game players. The bird's pecking is similar to an Indian warrior striking the war post at the Victory dance. For the Cherokees, the color red is associated with male attractiveness and fertility, as well as bravery and war. Groups of woodpeckers are thought to be a sign of war to the Creeks and Seminoles. While war is typically associated with males in Native American society, it is important to note that Cox Mound gorgets have been found in both male and female burials.� (http://tennesseeencyclopedia.net/imagegallery.php?EntryID=C157)

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