The principal source of light and heat for the Wampanoags was the
same fire over which they cooked their meals. Additional light was
sometimes provided by torches. One variety was made of birch bark and
was used in night fishing.[324] Pine splints also served as torches,
used for lighting the interiors of houses.[325]
Both percussion and friction methods of fire-making were used. For
kindling fire by percussion the Indian carried with him a small pouch
containing the proper materials for striking a light—a piece of
spongy dry wood for tinder and stones for producing the spark. One
stone was fastened onto the tinder stick to more surely catch the
spark when it fell.[326]
Aside from fire for heat, light, and cooking, and occasional use of
the sail, no naturally occurring sources of energy and power were
controlled by the Wampanoags.