Wolf Belt

Reprinted from Wampum Belts of the Iroquois by Tehanetorens

This belt was an Akwesasne or St. Regis Belt and once belonged to Chief Running Deer of the Akwesasne Mohawks. The center figures, two men, represent the French and Praying Indians (Caughnawaga, St. Regis, Oka and their allies) clasping their hands in friendship. The seven purple lines signify what is called the Seven Nations. The color between the seven black lines is white and means a peace path. This is guarded at each end, east and west, by the Wolf Clan, symbolized by the purple colored animal figures. The hereditary Keeper of the Eastern Door of the Long House was of the Wolf Clan and the Western Doorkeeper (Seneca) was also of the Wolf Clan. The Mohawks traded with the French but were never in their alliance.