The legend of Pocahontas.

The legend of Pocahontas. © National Maritime Museum, London

Repro ID: PX7942

Description: Captain John Smith, an important member of the Virginia colonists who had set out from Blackwall in December 1606, was captured by native Americans. Legend has it that Pocahontas fell in love with Smith and, when he was due to be clubbed to death by the Algonquians, put her head over his, so that no blows would fall on him. It is possible that this was a kinship ritual to invite the English into trade negotiations. An important part of colonisation was the inclusion of the Amerindians in trade.

Creator: Gottfried (publisher)

Date: 1655

Credit line: National Maritime Museum, London