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Early Images of Virginia Indians
 

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Early Images of Virginia Indians: The William W. Cole Collection
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Related page: Fanciful Figures

Indian man and woman

Indian man and woman
Engraving, French, c. 1700s

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This regal couple appear more likely to have inhabited the European stage than Virginia. Their garments are fabric and instead of tattoos and painted marks they wear necklaces, bracelets, and anklets. The phrase on the banner "Ples de Virginie" is probably "P[eup]les de Virginie," or "people of Virginia"; although "Ples" could also be an abbreviation of "p[er]les," or "pearls," a meaning also suggested by the image.



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  Early Images of Virginia Indians