Tattooed Serpent facts for kids
Tattooed Serpent (who died in 1725) was a very important leader of the Natchez people. His name in the Natchez language was Obalalkabiche, and in French he was called Serpent Piqué.
He was the war chief of the Natchez, a Native American group. They lived in a place called Grand Village. This village was close to a city now known as Natchez, Mississippi, in the state of Mississippi, USA.
Tattooed Serpent and his older brother, the main chief called Great Sun, decided to become friends with the French colonists. He was also a good friend of a French writer named Antoine-Simon Le Page du Pratz. Le Page du Pratz wrote a lot about their friendship. He also described Tattooed Serpent's death and his funeral in great detail.
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What Does the Name "Tattooed Serpent" Mean?
The name Obalalkabiche, or Tattooed Serpent, was a special title. It was always given to the War Chief of the Natchez. This war chief was always the younger brother of the main chief, who was called Yak-stalchil or Great Sun.
So, the Tattooed Serpent who died in 1725 was not the only one. His mother's brother, who died in 1700, also held the title of Tattooed Serpent. After the Tattooed Serpent of 1725 passed away, his sister's second oldest son took on the same name and role.
To show he was the Tattooed Serpent, the chief had a special tattoo. It was a detailed picture of a serpent. This serpent wrapped around his body, from his foot all the way up to his mouth.
Tattooed Serpent's Life and Role
In 1723, Tattooed Serpent played a key role in making peace. This happened after the Second Natchez War. This war involved the Natchez from the White Apple Village attacking the French. Tattooed Serpent helped the French and the Natchez agree to a peace treaty.
He was such a good friend to the French people. A French writer named Dumont de Montigny wrote about him. Tattooed Serpent's sister, whom the French called La Glorieuse, even said he was "like a Frenchman."
After Tattooed Serpent died, his older brother, the Great Sun, also passed away. Much younger men took over their leadership roles. This made the friendship between the French and the Natchez less stable. Leaders from the White Apple Village, who preferred the British, became more powerful. This change eventually led to the end of friendly relations between the French and the Natchez.
Tattooed Serpent's Funeral
Le Page du Pratz wrote many details about Tattooed Serpent's death and his funeral.
During the funeral, the chief's body was carried to the temple. It was placed on a special stretcher made from cane mats and cedar poles. The temple was built on top of a low, raised mound of earth.
Tattooed Serpent was buried in a trench. This trench was dug inside the temple floor. Other people who served him were buried in different spots. These spots were also on top of the mound, around the temple.
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