Archive Record
Metadata
Collection |
Artwork |
Catalog Number |
2013-04-04-023 |
Scope & Content |
"Origin of the Fountain of Youth Legend". The Indians regarded a certain spring with venerable superstition, for its waters were known to possess curative power. They believed a messenger from the "Great White Spirit" was sent every evening at dusk to drink of this "Water Of Life" so called by the Indians. The dew falling into the spring from the wings of this messenger gave to the waters their curative and restoring qualities. Tomoke, a giant chief of the Caribs did not believe in this superstition, and greatly offended the Seelooses and Yotematoes by drinking out of , and at last seizing the curiously wrought cu, never before touched by human hands. This act brought on was with the Caribs. The chief, Tomokie, led his warriors in the battle. Every bow and arrow of combined Seeloose Yotematoes seemed aimed at him. Suddenly Oleea, a beautiful Seeloose maiden, was seen to spring forward, drawing her bow at the great chieftain, The discharged arrow pierced his heart. Oleeta rushed forward, snatched the cup from the dead chieftain's hand, only to be herself struck by a poisoned arrow, causing her to fall dead, clasping the sacred relic. This terribly enraged the Seeloose, who with their allies, did not desist until every Carib was dead. Oleeta's body was buried with the stately ceremony near the spring. The sacred cup is said to be in the possession of the Florida Indians at the present time. (Note-the giant remains of Tomakie were unearthed a number of years ago at a coquina quarry on Anastasia Island). Written by Marie Mann Boyd |
Object Name |
Photograph of Monument |
Date |
date unknown |
People |
Tomokie Oleeta Indians Native American Seeloose Florida Indians Marie Mann Boyd |
Subjects |
Indian Legend Indian Myth Superstitions Fountain of Youth |