English observers of the Wampanoags were impressed with the
hospitality the Indians showed toward one another.[431] Any visitor
was provided with a share of whatever food the household had, even
if provisions were low.[432] Regardless of when a guest arrived, the
courteous thing to do was to first offer him food.[433] The guest
was provided with a place to sleep—usually in the family bed. In the
summer the visitor might be provided with a space by having a member
of the household sleep outside.[434]
Hospitality can be linked to a basic cultural pattern of value placed
on, and presumably prestige afforded by, generosity. The practice of
giving away goods in a public display of generosity was previously
discussed. By the same token, ingratitude was accounted the worst
breech of manners. Not only did the donor thus lose his goods, but
also the prestige of being acclaimed a generous man if his sacrifice
was not noted by the proper thanks.[435]
The Wampanoags’ hospitable attitude also extended to the English, who
were fed, sheltered, guided through the woods, and advised of the
movements of strangers.[436] It would have been a great discourtesy
for the English guests to have refused to join their Wampanoag host
for a meal, even though they found some of the food un-palatable.[437]
Certain matters of protocol seem to have been highly formalized. A
greeting gesture was to stick the tongue out as far as it would go
and lick the hand from wrist to finger tips.[438]
When a visitor came calling to discuss a serious matter, the occasion
began with solemn formality. He entered the house and sat silently
by the fire. Remaining silent, he smoked a pipe of tobacco. Having
finished his pipe the visitor presented his host with a gift. The
host gratefully acknowledged the gift, and then the visitor explained
his business in the course of a long speech.[439]