Art History Reveals the True Story of Pocahontas Beyond the Disney Myth

Over the last 400 years, the tale of Pocahontas has evolved significantly, especially through Disney's animated film released in 1995. Born Matoaka in 1595 to Powhatan Wahunsenaca, she was around 10 years old when English settlers arrived. An engraving from 1590 indicates that Powhatan girls did not wear clothing prior to puberty and decorated themselves with tattoos and jewelry. Matoaka's relationship with John Smith began when her tribe provided assistance to Jamestown; however, historians challenge his assertion that she rescued him from death, proposing it was a misinterpreted adoption ritual. Captured by Captain Samuel Argall, she embraced Christianity, was baptized as Rebecca, and wed John Rolfe. Pocahontas passed away at 21 in Gravesend, England, leaving her true story shrouded in mystery.