BELT OF THE UNITY OF THE CLANS

Reprinted from Wampum Belts of the Iroquois by Tehanetorens

This belt was one of the Constitutional Memorials and signified the essential unity of the clans "who sat opposite each other about the Fire." The white background signifies peace, unity, and friendship. It is provided thus: That in the Confederate Iroquois Nation, the people bearing the same name, the same clan, shall recognize one another as relatives irrespective of their nation and shall treat one another as such. Therefore a man and woman of the same clan are forbidden to marry.

It is provided thus: When an infant of the Five Nations is given an authorized name at the Midwinter Festival or at the Green Corn, Strawberry, or Harvest Festival, one in the Cousinhood of which the infant is a member shall be appointed a speaker. He shall then announce to the opposite Cousinhood the names of the father and mother of the child, together with the clan of the mother. Then the speaker shall announce the child's name twice. The uncle of the child shall then take the child in his arms and walking up and down the room shall sing. "My head is firm! I am of the League." As he sings, the opposite cousinhood shall respond by chanting "Hyen, Hyen, Hyen, Hyen" until the song is ended.

It is provided thus: When a chieftainhood title becomes vacant through death or other causes, the Otiianer Women of the clan in which the title is hereditary shall hold a council and shall choose one of their sons to fill the office made vacant. Such a candidate shall not be the father of any chief of the League. If the choice is unanimous, the name is referred to the men relatives of the clan. If they shall disapprove, it shall be their duty to select a candidate from among their own number. If then the men and women are unable to decide which of the two candidates shall be named, then the matter shall be referred to the Chiefs of the League in the clan. They shall decide which candidate shall be named. If the men and women agree to a candidate, then this name shall be referred to the sister clans for confirmation. If the sister clans confirm the choice, they shall refer their action to the Chiefs of the League who shall ratify the choice and present it to their Cousin Chiefs, and if the Cousin Chiefs confirm the name, then the candidate shall be installed by the proper ceremony for the conferring of chieftainship titles.