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The Condolence Wampum Strings Wampum, Onekórha, Mo., The Condolence Cane
This cane is a pictographic record of the fifty hereditary chiefs of the Confederacy of the early five nations, and it is used today as an aid to memory in the Condolence Ceremony at which time a new Confederate Lord is installed. The first set of pegs signifies the nine sachems of the Mohawk Nation or the Keepers of the Eastern Door. The second set of pegs signifies the nine sachems of the Oneida Nation. The third set of pegs signifies the fourteen sachems of the Onondaga Nation who are the "fire keepers" and the "Capital Council fire of the Confederacy." The fourth set of pegs signifies the ten sachems of the Cayuga Nation. The Chippewa, Delaware, and Tutelo nations were adopted by the Cayuga and put under his wing for protection. The fifth set of pegs signifies the eight sachems of the Seneca Nation or the Keepers of the Western Door. The Fifteen Strings of Condolence
When a chief dies a special day-long ceremony is held to console his loss and raise up a successor. The dead chief and his successor belong to one of two "Sides of the Council Fire" either the Elder Brothers' Side (the Mohawks, Onondagas and Senecas) or the Younger Brothers' Side (the Cayugas, Oneidas, Tutelas and Tuscaroras). Whichever side sustains the loss is called the Grieving Side; the other side is called the Clearminded. The Fifteen Strings of Condolence are passed one by one from the Clearminded Side to the Grieving Side in order to lift the burden of grief from them. The message that goes with each string is directed toward restoring some part of the mind or body. The Clearminded Side then returns the strings, expressing their gratitude for the messages of condolence they have received. Two sets of strings are shown, one for the Elder Brothers' Side and one for the Younger Brothers' Side. |
plays an important role in the condolence ceremonies. The
strings which accompanied each word travel across the fire are returned.
Each message recited describes an injury to mankind but does affirm its
cure by virtue of the magical power inherent in the rites and is the
very words spoken by the celebrant. The wampum strings is the official
record of the "messages" which pass to and fro between the
condolers (i.e. the Three Elderly Brothers' side) and the bereaved (i.e.
the Four Younger Brothers' side). It is also the assurance that
something is being done to heal the bereaved. The strings aid the
reciter of the rituals to recall the steps and the messages of the
ceremony. Throughout the ceremony, the individual holds the wampum. The
Wampum Keeper acts as a prompter and helps the speaker recall the lines
to be chanted in proper sequence. Each string in the Condolence Ceremony
finally attests the validity of the message being recited. These strings
of wampum have special functions as well in each message. The strings of
wampum therefore represents the steps in the proper procedure to elevate
a new chief. The need to propitiate the spirit of the dead chief so that
the newly appointed candidate can assume his name and office without
fear.