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]