Wampun Belts of the Iroquois

The Wampum, originally created from shells and porcupine quills, was introduced at the time of the founding of the League of the Five Nations by Hiawatha. Used for generations as jewelry and decorations, the Wampum came to be regarded as something sacred and was used on official occasions as well as for religious ceremonies. Guided by teacher Tehanetorens, students of the Indian Way School at Akwesasne Mohawk Nation present over four dozen authentic, bead-for-bead replicas of sacred Iroquois Wampum Belts and Strings, along with descriptions of the meaning of each piece and the greater instruction from the Peacemaker that accompanied the Belt.