Art of the Iroquois
Hand made Iroquois beaded bag.
The artwork of the Iroquois is a huge part of the culture. Iroquois art like many forms of art tends to represent the beliefs of its creators and the heritage of the creators people. Each piece of art carries with it the history and in many cases the legend in which their lives and beliefs are based.
For example Iroquois art pieces such as the faceless doll, which is the origin of the cornhusk doll which was very popular amongst children of the European settlers. "The faceless doll carried the legend of one of the three sisters of the Iroquois, Corn, Beans, and Squash. The corn spirit had a doll made from her husks by the creator and she eventually became so concerned with her vanity that the creator took her reflection to teach her a lesson. The lesson behind this is that appearance isn't everything!"
More commonly the Iroquois have their art implemented on clothing and accessories. Possibly their best known “art” is the usage of beads. Beads are doughnut-like rings that are connected through threads usually made out of animal tendons. Beads are carved out of wood, bones, rocks and jewelries. The Iroquois also enjoyed making clothes. Their clothes are very vibrant in colours.
The Iroquois tribes were also known for their mask carving. Iroquois masks are considered a sacred form of art that outsiders, even today are still not permitted to view many of them. The more demanding porcupine quilwork is more freely displayed by the Iroquois in their many forms of head wear, dresses etc. The Iroquois Indians also crafted wampum out of white and purple shell beads. Wampum beads were some times traded as a kind of currency, but they were more culturally important as an art material. The designs and symbols on Iroquois wampum belts often told a story or represented a person's family.
Thus in conclusion we can see that much of the artwork created by the Iroquois were symbolic. From an artistic standpoint the Iroquois were very creative and resourceful people who were able to create beautiful works of art from the earth around them. Hence making the Iroquois unique first nations tribe.
For example Iroquois art pieces such as the faceless doll, which is the origin of the cornhusk doll which was very popular amongst children of the European settlers. "The faceless doll carried the legend of one of the three sisters of the Iroquois, Corn, Beans, and Squash. The corn spirit had a doll made from her husks by the creator and she eventually became so concerned with her vanity that the creator took her reflection to teach her a lesson. The lesson behind this is that appearance isn't everything!"
More commonly the Iroquois have their art implemented on clothing and accessories. Possibly their best known “art” is the usage of beads. Beads are doughnut-like rings that are connected through threads usually made out of animal tendons. Beads are carved out of wood, bones, rocks and jewelries. The Iroquois also enjoyed making clothes. Their clothes are very vibrant in colours.
The Iroquois tribes were also known for their mask carving. Iroquois masks are considered a sacred form of art that outsiders, even today are still not permitted to view many of them. The more demanding porcupine quilwork is more freely displayed by the Iroquois in their many forms of head wear, dresses etc. The Iroquois Indians also crafted wampum out of white and purple shell beads. Wampum beads were some times traded as a kind of currency, but they were more culturally important as an art material. The designs and symbols on Iroquois wampum belts often told a story or represented a person's family.
Thus in conclusion we can see that much of the artwork created by the Iroquois were symbolic. From an artistic standpoint the Iroquois were very creative and resourceful people who were able to create beautiful works of art from the earth around them. Hence making the Iroquois unique first nations tribe.
Games
Lacrosse
Native Lacrosse
Probably the most significant way the Iroquois have impacted Canada today, is by the creation of Lacrosse. If you do not Lacrosse is actually Canada's national sport, not hockey. Lacrosse was a game devised by Native Americans specifically the Iroquois. The Iroquois referred to Lacrosse as "Tewaarathon" which translates to "The Creator's Game." The sport became very popular and spread to many other aboriginal tribes throughout Canada. For the Iroquois, it was played to give thanks to the Creator. In the past, a game would be played to provide additional power to the medicines being used to heal the sick. It could be played to settle disputes. It was played to improve men’s stamina, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork. Beginning in the 1700s, the game moved towards becoming a sport, popular not only among Iroquois, but also with European and French Canadians. The game continues to be played even today by the Iroquois, but it has been transformed into a competitive sport nationally.