There were three basic divisions within Wampanoag society: (1) the sachem and members of the “royal family”; (2) ordinary members of the community; (3) resident non-members (generally captives of war) who acted as servants.[425]However, within these categories there was considerable difference in the wealth and importance of members. There were also statuses within the groupings that carried special implications, such as warrior, powow, wife of sachem, older man, etc.
There were certain visible signs of social standing in Wampanoag society. The person of wealth or noble birth wore zoomorphic tattoos on his face.[426]His house had mats of an especially fine quality.[427]He wore a lot of wampum and had it woven into caps and aprons to show his lack of immediate need for this money.[428]He could have more than one wife.[429]He might have servants to do household tasks, and his wife could have a nurse for the children.[430]