09/13/2023
The Uttamussak Temple is located in Sweet Hall, Virginia. It was a sacred religious site for tribes ruled by King Wahusenacawh. Also known as Chief Powhatan. Only kings, queens, chiefs, high priests, and priestesses were allowed to enter the site. The site once consisted of 3 white stone buildings and wooden structures. One building was a holy home for the King. The other 2 would have contained the sacred Mussac stone, relics, offerings, other important artifacts, and the mummified remains of Wahusenacawh and his 12 predecessors. These buildings are said to be at least 20x60-100 ft dimensions. Most natives would make their offerings into the marshy shore lines of the Pamunkey river near to the site. In 1607 the English Captain John Smith was held captive here for a 3 day ritual and quarantine by Wahusenacawh's brother and later successor Opechancanawh. Several early Christian European explorers described the dualistic nature of indigenous faith, which consisted of 2 primary deities Ahone and Okee, as having archetypes and principles similar enough to Christianity they were afraid Christians would be attracted to the faith of the Tsenacomoco. By 1622, as a result of conflict and wars with Europeans, the temple site was abandoned and or destroyed. The exact location is not known.
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