0057

Saturiba Goes to War

On their second voyage the French made a treaty with Saturiba [Saturioua], the great chief of the adjoining country. They had agreed to erect a fort in his territory, to be friends, and enemies of his enemies. About three months after this pact had been made, Saturiba requested some soldiers, as he was ready to make war. Laudonniere declined to send the harquebusiers, for he hoped to make peace between the chief and his enemies.

Saturiba was indignant. His preparations for war were far advance; it was too late now to put off the expedition. He asked the neighboring chiefs for assistance. When they came, the whole force--in war paint and feathers-sat down in a circle, with Saturiba in their midst. A fire was lighted to his left, and two large wessels of water were placed at his right. The chief, rolling his eyes angrily and gesturing with his arms, raised a horrible yell. His men repeated the cry, striking their hips and rattling their weapons. Then Saturiba, taking a wooden bowl full of water, turned toward the sun, worshiped it, and prayed for victory over the enemy. He prayed that their blood might be poured out like the water he was about to scatter from the bowl. He then flung the water into the air and said: "As I have done with this water, so I pray that you may do with the blood of your enemies." After this he poured the water from the other vessel onto the fire, saying: "So may you be able to extinguish your enemies and bring back their scalps."

With this the ceremonies ended. The men rose and set off for war.

Monday, 15-May-95 14:17:42 PDT