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Wis-Ki-Ge-Amatyuk Family |
PIPE STEM OF TOPINABEE
Oldest relative pipe stem carried thru hereditary chieftain line in Burnett bundles is the pipe stem of Topinabee. ![]() ![]() Elders and ritual leaders thru prayer speak of the pipe stem in great respect and tell of the birth or making of the United States. The Potawatomis intersected American history at very critical points. Ceremonial and personal pipes were used for prayers and meetings during the conflicts of war between the French and English fathers. Chief Topinabee is son to hereditary sachem chief of all Potawatomis, Anaquiba, and brother to Chief Chebaas, biological grandfather of Chief Abram B. Burnett (Nan-Wesh-Mah). He was a great warrior and highly respected, intelligent chief involved in all battles and noted as a war chief to Tecumseh during the Tecumseh uprising. Topinabee was also documented as a signer of all important treaties. Topinabee is biological uncle to Abraham Burnett, a family line Potawatomi chief who was involved with battles in Michigan. Abraham Burnett was son to Kaukema and William Burnett, a known trader. Abram B. Burnett was baptised and married June 5, 1838 by a priest named Father Benjamin Petit to Dah-Moosh-Ke-Keaw
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The Fire Keepers
The Potawatomis, known as the “fire keepers,” were referred to by the old ones in slang as the “Cheek-blowers” to signify the act of blowing out the cheeks as in kindling a fire and is supposed to refer to the facility in which the nation possessed in kindling the ancient counsel fires of their fore fathers. Left: The old pipe stem bears traditional Potawatomi marks of ancient Fire starting. Attached to a pipe bowl, the pipe stem was used in counsels of great importance. Four full body woodpeckers were traditionally attached to the body of the stem. See also:
Also visit: www.wiskigeamatyuk.com Page compiled by Carol Yoho |