The Wampanoags did not use any mechanical devices, such as whistles
or drums for sending messages. Instead, they used their voices to
call out information. When news had to be transmitted beyond shouting
distance, a messenger was sent. If he had trouble locating his
destination he would give a shout when he thought himself a mile
or so away, and answering calls would guide him to the village he
sought.[327]
Since they had no system of writing, all information that was to
be passed on to other people, whether news of the day or tribal
tradition, had to be memorized. To help in this task pre-literate
societies sometimes use mnemonic devices. The Wampanoag had such a
practice. Along the side of trails, near the place where some event
of historical significance had occurred, they dug small holes, about
a foot deep and a foot wide to mark the spot. These were meticulously
re-excavated when they seemed to be filling in. As a Wampanoag passed
through his country the sight of these markers reminded him of the
stories they represented. Thus reminded, he would tell them to
others.[328]