Family and Social organisation
Each long house was home of many families who were related through the female member( Matrilineal).They all thought of each other as brothers and sisters. It was also a matrilocal society; meaning when a couple get married, they go to live with the wife's community/family.
As well as,each tribe had a number of clans named after the animals important to them.
As well as,each tribe had a number of clans named after the animals important to them.
Government
The Iroquois formed a confederacy called The league of the 6 nations, at first it contained 5 nations : Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga and Seneca. Later in the 1722 another nation called Tuscaroras joined the confederacy and became known as the league of the 6 nations. They referred to themselves as the Haudenosaunee which translates to People building a Long house.
People of the league were divided into 9 clans. The matron (clan mother) of each family elected a sachem (chief) to represent the family. In total there were 50 sachems that sat on the Great Council. Although all sachems were men, women elected them and had the authority and power to remove them.
The league was based on democratic principles. All important issues were discussed and decisions were made when majority of sachems agreed.
People of the league were divided into 9 clans. The matron (clan mother) of each family elected a sachem (chief) to represent the family. In total there were 50 sachems that sat on the Great Council. Although all sachems were men, women elected them and had the authority and power to remove them.
The league was based on democratic principles. All important issues were discussed and decisions were made when majority of sachems agreed.
Symbol of the league of six nations.
The roots of the tree of peace spread out in all directions, anyone desiring peace has to follow the roots. The eagle at the top guided and protected those who took shelter in it
Warfare
The people of the Iroquois fought mainly for revenge and honour, they had quick raids instead of fighting long battles. It started when a person from a nation kills another and then the victim's family taking revenge. Raids took place in summer since travel was easier. The proof of power was to bring back captives. The captives/prisoners can then be killed or forced to fight against their own people.
Before guns, the Iroquois used clubs with a round stone set into a carved wooden handle, as well as bow and arrows. They protected their body using shields made of bark and covered with hide, as well as light armour made of wood and deer thongs.
Young men were warriors to show their courage and strength while the elder men were chiefs and showed wisdom by calling for peace. The great council met to encourage peace back among the people, the representatives of peace and the sachems (chiefs) exchanged gifts as a sign of good will.
Before guns, the Iroquois used clubs with a round stone set into a carved wooden handle, as well as bow and arrows. They protected their body using shields made of bark and covered with hide, as well as light armour made of wood and deer thongs.
Young men were warriors to show their courage and strength while the elder men were chiefs and showed wisdom by calling for peace. The great council met to encourage peace back among the people, the representatives of peace and the sachems (chiefs) exchanged gifts as a sign of good will.