Hiawatha

Hiawatha (also known as Ayenwatha, Aiionwatha, or Haiëñ'wa'tha; Onondaga)^[1] was a Native American leader and founder of the Iroquois confederacy.

Hiawatha was a follower of The Great Peacemaker, a prophet and spiritual leader, who proposed the unification of the Iroquois peoples, who shared similar languages. Hiawatha, a skilled and charismatic orator, was instrumental in persuading the Senecas, Cayugas, Onondagas, Oneidas, and Mohawks, to accept the Great Peacemaker's vision and band together to become the Five Nations of the Iroquois confederacy. Later, the Tuscarora nation joined the Confederacy to become the Sixth Nation.

Depending on the version of the narrative, Hiawatha lived in the 12th, 15th or 16th century and was a leader of the Onondaga or the Mohawk.

In Morgan's Ancient Society

Hiawatha is mentioned in a famous anthropological text by Lewis Henry Morgan, Ancient Society (1877). The text was in two volumes, with the second containing a comprehensive collection of artistic, cultural and material facts concerning the nation, built over many years. Chapter V is entitled "The Iroquois Confederacy" and reads:

"The Iroquois have furnished an excellent illustration of the manner in which a confederacy is formed by natural growth assisted by skilful legislation. ... When the confederacy was formed, about A. D. 1400-1450,^[2] the conditions previously named were present. The Iroquois were in five independent tribes, occupied territories contiguous to each other, and spoke dialects of the same language which were mutually intelligible. Beside these facts, certain gentes were common in the several tribes ... "

"The origin of the plan is ascribed to a mythical, or, itionary person, Ha-yo-went-ha, the Hiawatha of Longfellow’s celebrated poem, who was present at this council and the central person in its management. In his communications with the council he used a wise-man of the Onondagas, Da-ga-n,o-we-da, as an interpreter and speaker to expound the structure and principles of the proposed confederacy. The same tradition further declares that when the work was accomplished Ha-yo-zvent-ha miraculously disappeared in a white canoe, which arose with him in the air and bore him out of their sight. Other prodigies, according to this tradition, attended and signalized the formation of the confederacy, which is still celebrated among them as a masterpiece of India wisdom. Such in truth it was; and it will remain in history as a monument of their genius in developing gentile institutions. It will also be remembered as an illustration of what tribes of mankind have been able to accomplish in the art of government while in the Lower Status of barbarism, and under the disadvantages this condition implies."

"Which of the two persons was the founder of the confederacy it is difficult to determine. The silent Ha-yo-zvent-ha was, not unlikely, a real person of Iroquois lineage; but tradition has enveloped his character so completely in the supernatural that he loses his place among them as one of their number. If Hiawatha were a real person, Da-ga- no-me-da must hold a subordinate place; but, if a mythical person invoked for the occasion, then to the latter belongs the credit of planning the confederacy."

In Smith's History of Cortland County

Hiawatha is also mentioned in a locally published history, edited by H.P. Smith, History of Cortland County, New York (1885). Chapter II is entitled "History of the Aborigines" and reads:

Cortland county was then part of a vast domain of the Iroquois Confederacy, which extended, in general terms, from the Hudson river to the Genesee, and from the north to the south boundary of New York state. The Confederacy was composed of the following nations, located in the following order from east to west: The Mohawks (Ganeagaonos) on the river bearing their name, the Oneidas (Onayotekaonos), the Onondagas (Onumdaganos), the Cayugas (Gwengwehhonos), and the Senecas (Nundawaonos), mostly located adjacent the several lakes bearing their respective names. The origin of this Confederacy is, at least to a great extent, merely traditional. The Iroquois themselves ascribe it, as they also do the origin of the individual nations, to a supernatural source. They, like the Athenians, sprang from the earth itself. "In remote ages they had been confined under a mountain near the fall of the Osh-wah-kee, or Oswego river whence they were released by Tharonhyjagon, the Holder of the Heavens." Schoolcraft inclines to the opinion that the Confederation is to referred to a comparatively recent date: early in the fifteenth century. Mr. Webster, the Onondaga Indian interpreter, who should be excellent authority, ascribes it to about two generations before the white people came to trade with the Indians. Pyrlaeus, a missionary among the Mohawks, to "one age, or the length of a man’s life," before the white people came into the country. Others have accredited its origin to the severity of their wars with other nations, but without date; while Clark, "from the permanency of their institutions, the peculiar structure of their government, the intricacy of their civil affairs, the stability of their religious beliefs, and the uniformity of their pagan ceremonies, differing from other Indian nations in important particulars," thinks it must have had a longer duration than is given it by the others mentioned. Most of their traditions agree that the Confederation was formed on the banks of Onondaga lake, near where the village of Liverpool is situated. Long years ago, says the Iroquois tradition, Ta-oun-ya-wat-ha, the deity who presides over the forests and streams, left his abode in the clouds to come and remove obstructions from their streams, to teach them how to cultivate the soil and become a united and prosperous people. In the vicinity of the site of Oswego, he disclosed his mission to two Onondaga hunters, whom he prevailed upon to accompany him in his beneficent work; having accomplished which, he divested himself of his divine character, and took up his abode among the men of earth. He located his habitation in a beautiful spot on the shore of Teonto (Cross) lake, on the present boundary between Onondaga and Cayuga counties, where he built his cabin, and afterwards took a wife from the Onondagas, by whom he had an only and beautiful daughter, who was tenderly loved by him. His excellent counsels, wisdom and sagacity won the warmest esteem of the people, who gave him the name Hiawatha, signifying "very wise man." Under his direction the Onondagas soon advanced to pre-eminent distinction as the wisest counselors, the most eloquent orators, the most successful hunters and the bravest warriors. While Hiawatha was dwelling peacefully among "the people of the hills," they were attacked by a powerful enemy from the north of the great lakes, who laid waste their villages, and slew men, women and children indiscriminately; utter destruction seemed inevitable. In their dire extremity they appealed to Hiawatha. After thoughtful contemplation he advised a council of all the tribes that could be gathered together, saying, "I shall sit in council with you. Our safety is in good counsel and speedy, energetic action." The council is believed to have been held on the banks of Onondaga (Oh-nen-ta-ha) lake. A vast assemblage of chiefs, warriors, men, women and children gathered and kept the council fires burning for three days, awaiting the presence of the venerable Hiawatha, without whom they resolved to not proceed. Messengers were at length dispatched for him; they found him troubled in mind and filled with gloomy forebodings, which had caused him to resolve that he would not attend the council. But he was at length prevailed upon to go, and taking his beloved daughter they embarked in the venerated white canoe and glided down the placid Seneca river into the beautiful Onandaga lake. When they were recognized by the multitude a great shout of welcome rose on the air. As they ascended the steep bank of the lake and approached the council ground, suddenly a loud sound was heard as of rushing winds. All eyes were turned upward, when a dark cloud was beheld bearing down upon them, increasing in size as it came nearer. The entire council, with the exception of Hiawatha and his daughter, sought safety in flight. The old man uncovered his silvered head and enjoined his daughter to await the impending calamity with fortitude and resignation. Suddenly, with a mighty swoop, a huge bird, with long and distended wings and a pointed beak, came down and crushed the beautiful girl to the earth, destroying her semblance of humanity, itself dying in the collision. The frightened warriors cautiously returned, only to behold the terrible scene. The great bird was covered with a beautiful white plumage, from which each warrior plucked a plume for his crown. From that time and incident the Iroquois braves have always worn the plumes of the white heron as their martial decoration. Despairing and desolate, Hiawatha remained for three days prostrate upon his face on the ground. Every one present shared the old man’s grief; he at length gained sufficient composure to enable him to take part in the deliberations of the council. Various plans were discussed, to which Hiawatha listened in silence. When all had concluded, he addressed the council. After briefly alluding to his own bereavement, he referred to the threatening invasion, and suggested that they should reflect for one day upon the speeches that had been made. The following day the council again assembled and amid breathless silence listened to the following words from the sage counselor:

Friends and Brothers: You have come many of you a great distance from your homes; you have convened for one common purpose, to promote one common interest, and that is to provide for our common safety. To oppose these hordes of northern foes by tribes, singly and alone, would prove our certain destruction. We can make no progress in that way; we must unite ourselves into one common band of brothers. Our warriors united would surely repel these rude invaders and drive them from our borders. Let this be done and we are safe.

You the Mohawks, sitting under the shadow of the "Great Tree," whose roots sink deep into the earth, and whose branches spread over a vast country, shall be the first nation, because you are warlike and mighty.
You Oneidas, a people who recline your bodies against the "Everlasting Stone," that cannot be moved, shall be the second nation, because you give wise counsel.
You Onondagas, who have your habitation at the "Great Mountain," and are overshadowed by its crags, shall be the third nation, because you are greatly gifted in speech and mighty in war.
You Cayugas, a people whose habitation is the "Dark Forest," and whose home is everywhere, shall be the fourth nation, because of your superior cunning in hunting.
And you, Senecas, a people who live in the open country and possess much wisdom, shall be the fifth nation, because you understand better the art of raising corn and beans, and making cabins.

You five great and powerful nations must unite and have but one common interest, and no foe shall be able to disturb or subdue you. And you Manhattans, Nyacks, Metoacks, and others, who are as the feeble bushes; and you, Narragansetts, Mohegans, Wampanoags, and your neighbors, who are a fishing people, may place yourself under our protection. Be with us and we will defend you. You of the south and you of the west may do the same, and we will protect you. We earnestly desire your friendship and alliance. Brothers, if we unite in this bond, the Great Spirit will smile upon us and we shall be free, prosperous and happy. But if we remain as we are we shall be subject to his frown; we shall be enslaved, ruined, perhaps annihilated forever. We shall perish and our names be blotted out from among the nations of men. Brothers, these are the words of Hiawatha. Let them sink deep into your hearts. I have said it.

The council adjourned one day to give time for due consideration of this address and its recommendations. Upon assembling the next day the wisdom of the propositions of Hiawatha was unanimously conceded; and thus, according to tradition, was formed that remarkable league of the five Indian nations which no outward power has been able to break. Whatever may have been the actual circumstances surrounding its origin, its wonderful effectiveness, its permanency and its adaptability to its purposes cannot be questioned and stamp the mind that conceived it as a genius of the highest order. Having accomplished his work on earth and admonished by the death of his daughter that his mission was ended, Hiawatha prepared to take his departure. As the assembled council was about to separate, he arose in a dignified manner and said:

Friends and Brothers: I have now fulfilled my mission on earth. I have done everything that can be done at present for the good of this great people. Age, infirmity and distress set heavily upon me. During my sojourn among you, I have removed all obstructions from the streams. Canoes can now safely pass everywhere. I have given you good fishing waters and good hunting grounds. I have taught you the manner of cultivating corn and beans, and learned you the art of making cabins. Many other blessings I have liberally bestowed upon you. Lastly, I have now assisted you to form an everlasting league and covenant of strength and friendship for your future safety and protection. If you preserve it, without the admission of other people, you will always be free, numerous and mighty. If other nations are admitted to your councils they will sow jealousies among you, and you will become enslaved, few and feeble. Remember these words; they are the last you will hear from the lips of Hiawatha. Listen, my friends; the Great Master of Breath calls me to go. I have patiently awaited his summons. I am ready. Farewell.

As his voice died away, sweet sounds were heard in the air; and, while all attention was directed to the celestial melody, Hiawatha, seated in the white canoe, arose in mid air, and the clouds shut him out from earthly sight; the while the melody gradually died away and ceased.

The Hiawatha Belt

The Hiawatha Belt is made of 6574 wampum beads - 38 rows by 173 rows, and has 892 white and 5682 purple beads. The purple represents the sky or universe that surrounds us, and the white represents purity and Good Mind (good thoughts, forgiveness, and understanding). The belt symbolizes the Five Nations from west to east in their respective territories across New York state—Seneca (keepers of the western door), Cayuga (People of the Swamp), Onondaga (Keepers of the Fire), Oneida (People of the Standing Stone) and Mohawk (keeper of the eastern door)—by open ‘squares’ of white beads with the central figure signifying a tree or heart. The white open squares are connected by a white band that has no beginning or end, representing all time now and forever. The band, however, does not cross through the center of each nation, meaning that each nation is supported and unified by a common bond and that each is separate in its own identity and domain. The open center also signifies the idea of a fort protected on all sides, but open in the center, symbolizing an open heart and mind within.

The Haudenosaunee Confederacy flag

The tree figure signifies the Onondaga Nation, capital of the League and home to the central council fire. It was on the shores of Onondaga Lake where the message of peace was “planted” and the hatchets were buried.^{[citation needed]} From this tree, four white roots sprouted, carrying the message of unity and peace to the four directions.

The Hiawatha Belt has been dated to the mid-18th century. Near its center, it contains a bead made of colonial lead glass. It is believed the design is as old as the league itself, and that the present belt is not the original.^[3]

The Hiawatha Belt forms the basis of the flag of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, created in the 1980s. It is also included in the logo of the Toronto Nationals, a Major Lacrosse League team.

In popular culture

In 1940, plans for a film about the historical Hiawatha by Monogram Pictures were scrapped. The reason given was that Hiawatha's peacemaker role could be seen as "Communist propaganda."^[4]^[5]
Vince Edwards played the title role of Hiawatha in the 1952 film of the same name, the last release of Monogram Pictures.
Litefoot portrayed this historical Iroquois in Song of Hiawatha (1997).
Hiawatha and Minnehaha are mentioned in The Sweet's song 'Wig Wam Bam'.
Hiawatha is the playable leader of the Iroquois in the video games Civilization III and Civilization V.

Footnotes

^ Bright, William (2004). Native American Place Names of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, ISBN 080613576X pg. 166
^ About 1651-55, they expelled their kindred tribes, the Eries, from the region between the Genesee river and Lake Erie, and shortly afterwards the Neutral Nations from the Niagara river, and thus came into possession of the remainder of New York, with the exception of the lower Hudson and Long Island. (Morgan)
^ "Proceedings", American Philosophical Society (vol. 115, No. 6, p. 446)
^ Wallechinsky, David (1975). The People's Almanac. Garden City: Doubleday. ISBN 0385040601. p. 239
^ Digital History: Post-War Hollywood

External links

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[1] Bright, William (2004). Native American Place Names of the United States. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, ISBN 080613576X pg. 166

[2] About 1651-55, they expelled their kindred tribes, the Eries, from the region between the Genesee river and Lake Erie, and shortly afterwards the Neutral Nations from the Niagara river, and thus came into possession of the remainder of New York, with the exception of the lower Hudson and Long Island. (Morgan)

[3] "Proceedings", American Philosophical Society (vol. 115, No. 6, p. 446)

[4] Wallechinsky, David (1975). The People's Almanac. Garden City: Doubleday. ISBN 0385040601. p. 239

[5] Digital History: Post-War Hollywood

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