Great Law of Peace
Oral constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy
Great Law of Peace
The Great Law of Peace, also known as Gayanashagowa, is the oral constitution of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, established circa 1102 CE among the Five Nations of the Mohawk, Onondaga, Oneida, Cayuga, and Seneca. Conceived by Dekanawidah, known as the Great Peacemaker, and his spokesman Hiawatha, the law was represented by symbols on wampum belts which functioned as mnemonic devices for storytellers. The original five nations ratified this constitution near modern-day Victor, New York, with the sixth nation, the Tuscarora, acceding in 1722. The Great Law of Peace is presented as part of a narrative noting laws and ceremonies to be performed at prescribed times. The laws, called a constitution, are divided into 117 articles. The nations within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy are symbolized by an eastern white pine tree, called the Tree of Peace. Each nation plays a delineated role in the conduct of The Grand Council. The laws were first recorded and transmitted by means of wampum, shell-bead...
Read on Wikipedia · Image SargassoShearwater, CC0
Open boosters, collect cards and trade them. Free to play.
Play for free