| Hall of the Lost Tribes | |
Part 2: The Lost Tribes
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The present Mohegan Sun Casino is the "Casino of the Earth." It was designed to pay tribute to the Mohegan Indians, known as Wolf People. The theme incorporates much of the lore and tradition surrounding this proud Mohegan Tribe. The casino is circular with four quadrants representing the seasons of the year, Winter, Spring, Summer and Autumn to highlight the importance of the seasonal changes to the Native Americans.
The new Hall of the Lost Tribes is located in the Autumn section of the casino. The elaborate design incorporates the color and schemes of that season. The tale of the Lost Tribes is told with skins representing the symbols of the Tribes and stained glass maps showing their locations. These are located around the casino at the base of the ceiling.
The meaning behind the lost Tribes is explained as follows.
When the Europeans and Native Americans encountered each other, the Mohegan Sachem Uncas wondered if the pale skin of the strangers meant they carried horrible diseases. As truth would have it the Europeans did introduce horrible diseases and ailments to the native population whose systems lacked immunity to them. These were so lethal that they nearly wiped out the population of the Americas. Many tribes were lost and although numbers vary, ten million is considered a modest guess of the Native North American population lost to disease before the arrival of Columbus in 1492.
The Tribes that were lost in the wars of intolerance are frequently memorialized but those that were exterminated by the plagues are seldom remembered. The Hall of the Lost Tribes will honor both the victims of the wars and the victims of the plagues.
Thirteen lost Tribes were selected to be honored in the hall. Thirteen represents one full lunar cycle of thirteen moons, the completion of a full cycle. For eight of these groups an authentic symbol from their culture was found to represent them. In the case of the five other tribes a graphic element was created to honor their story. These are the symbols above the tribe's name that are on display in the new casino.
The casino of the earth has numerous other displays around the casino. The meaning and stories behind them are told in an interesting little booklet called "The Secret Guide" that is sold for two dollars in the Trading Cove store at the casino. It will tell you everything about the symbols used throughout the casino from the wall hangings right down to the design on the carpets.
The Mohegan Sun is in the process of expanding. Project Sunburst will triple the size of the existing facility and create the "Casino of the Sky." I will tell you more about the project and show you some construction photos in an upcoming column.
Until next time,
remember:
"Luck comes and goes...Knowledge stays forever."
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All photographs by Bill Burton, copyright 2000, licensed toAbout.com,
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