Religion
Native people had highly developed religious beliefs and practices that were poorly recorded and little understood by Europeans. Records that were made indicate there was a priestly order that facilitated a regular ceremonial cycle, built on a multi-theistic cosmology.
Two of the higher gods identified to the English were Ahone and Okeus, also called Okee. Ahone was the god of good and was respected, but Okeus, pictured to the left, was a wrathful, vengeful god, whom the Native people sought to appease with prayer deeds and offerings. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
This period engraving depicts two Native priests. A stratified priestly order oversaw many religious activities. Priests were responsible for maintaining the charnel houses where the remains of deceased Werowances were kept. They also maintained temples, acted as advisors to village leaders and served as doctors. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
Powhatan temples often were secluded structures, located away from living areas. They were maintained by priests, who along with Weroances were the only persons allowed to enter. Temples also doubled as storehouses for tribute. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
Powhatan temples and charnel houses were referred to as the Quiocassin. The remains of village leaders were kept within these sacred houses because they were sacred. Other important items of wealth or ceremony were also kept here. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
This red face pole, carved by Rose Powhatan, replicates poles shown in period engravings. These poles were situated around ceremonial areas. Some poles encircled the dance arena; while others guarded temples. The faces may have represented ancestors of villagers or they may have represented totemic entities or deities, such as cougars, giants, dragons or wolves. Photo Courtesy of Buck Woodard.
Tobacco played an important role in Native religion and politics. Ancient traditions among Algonquian-speaking people surrounded the symbolic and medicinal uses of tobacco. The presence of a pipe in this image of Chief Powhatan reflects the symbolic importance of tobacco. Robert Vaughn for John Smith’s Generall Historie (London 1624).
Two of the higher gods identified to the English were Ahone and Okeus, also called Okee. Ahone was the god of good and was respected, but Okeus, pictured to the left, was a wrathful, vengeful god, whom the Native people sought to appease with prayer deeds and offerings. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
This period engraving depicts two Native priests. A stratified priestly order oversaw many religious activities. Priests were responsible for maintaining the charnel houses where the remains of deceased Werowances were kept. They also maintained temples, acted as advisors to village leaders and served as doctors. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA. 
Powhatan temples often were secluded structures, located away from living areas. They were maintained by priests, who along with Weroances were the only persons allowed to enter. Temples also doubled as storehouses for tribute. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA. 
Powhatan temples and charnel houses were referred to as the Quiocassin. The remains of village leaders were kept within these sacred houses because they were sacred. Other important items of wealth or ceremony were also kept here. Harriott, Thomas. A briefe and true report of the new found land of Virginia, with engravings after John White. Published by Theodore de Bry. Frankfurt-am-Main, 1590. Courtesy The Mariners' Museum, Newport News, VA.
This red face pole, carved by Rose Powhatan, replicates poles shown in period engravings. These poles were situated around ceremonial areas. Some poles encircled the dance arena; while others guarded temples. The faces may have represented ancestors of villagers or they may have represented totemic entities or deities, such as cougars, giants, dragons or wolves. Photo Courtesy of Buck Woodard.
Tobacco played an important role in Native religion and politics. Ancient traditions among Algonquian-speaking people surrounded the symbolic and medicinal uses of tobacco. The presence of a pipe in this image of Chief Powhatan reflects the symbolic importance of tobacco. Robert Vaughn for John Smith’s Generall Historie (London 1624).