Iroquois Territory Wampum Strings

Reprinted from Wampum Belts of the Iroquois by Tehanetorens

It is provided thus: A bunch of wampum strings is to be the symbol of the Council Fire of the League of Six Nations. The chief whom the Council of Firekeepers (Onondaga) shall appoint to speak for them in opening the Council shall hold the strings of shells in his hands when speaking. When he finishes speaking, he shall place the strings on an elevated place or pole so that all the assembled Chiefs and the people may see it and know that the Council is open and in progress. These six strings of wampum tied together as one shall represent the Six Nations. Each string shall represent one territory, and the whole a completely united territory known as The Six Nations Territory.