“A Guarding Great Snake who knows your intentions…”
"Those who know say the Uktena is a great
snake, as large around as a tree trunk, with horns on its
head, and a bright blazing crest like a diamond on its forehead, and
scales glowing like sparks of fire. It has rings or spots of color along its
whole length, and cannot be wounded except by shooting in the seventh spot from
the head, because under this spot are its heart and its life. The
blazing diamond is called Ulun'suti—"Transparent"—and he who can win
it may become the greatest wonder worker of the tribe. But it is worth
a man's life to attempt it, for whoever is seen by the Uktena is
so dazed by the bright light that he runs toward the snake instead of trying to
escape..." - James Mooney
"According to Mooney (1900:458-459), the name Uktena is
derived from akta, or eye, and implies being a “strong looker,” as
everything is visible to it (i.e., it can see thoughts). From the same
root is derived akta’tĭ, “to see into closely” which is also the
Cherokee word for a magnifying lens and telescope. So the name Uktena implies
that it sees thoughts and it does so in an accurate way; knowledge that comes
in useful to predict enemy tactics (Jannie Loubser - E-mail communication July
21, 2015). "
Nonnewaug Indigenous Stonework, entry to Pomperaug
Plantation’s Watch House (c. 1700) along Indigenous Stone Snake bordered
roadway, a Great Snake that knows the intentions of the new people entering this new
space, separated yet connected by stone to other places…
