THE FLAG:
The star in the center of the flag is the symbol of the people of Pokanoket, the people of the early light.
The first star is the sun. This is the same symbol that King Philip wore as depicted in his portrait, which hangs in the Haffenreffer Museum of Anthropology at Brown University in Bristol Rhode Island. The five-pointed star was traditionally made from the deepest purple wampum made from the shell of the Quahog. The outer circle, in gold, represents the circle of life. The color gold represents the Creator. The inner circle of lighter purple stands for unity. The color purple stands for the hereafter. The motto "Iootash", which means "Stand firm", was the battle cry of Anawon in rallying his warriors during the battle of August 12, 1676 when the Pokanokets were surprised by an English force led by Captain Benjamin Church. King Philip was killed during the engagement. The eagle feathers hanging from the sides represent the strengths of the Eagle which has great sight, wisdom, pride, and strong flight. The eagle feathers accent the two names of the people of Pokanoket - our original name, and Wampanoag- the name we came to have after King Philip's war. The Pokanoket star in gold between the two names express our hope that the Creator will unite and strengthen our people and make us whole again. The flag is set on a field of white which stands for purity. |
