Mohawk

Mohawk (cognate with the Narraganset Mohowaùuck, 'they eat (animate) things,' hence 'man-eaters') The most easterly tribe of the Iroquois confederation. They called themselves Kaniengehaga, 'people of the place of the flint.' The Mohawk have only 3 clans, namely, the Bear, the Wolf, and the Turtle. The tribe is represented in the council by 9 chiefs of the rank of Roianer (highest honor) being 3 from every clan. These chiefships were known by specific names, which were conferred with the office. The Conestoga a tribe to the south waged war against them so vigorously for 10 years that the Mohawk were overthrown so completely that they appeared to be almost extinct. However about this time the Dutch arrived, and furnished the Mohawk with firearms to trade for beaver skins. This trade agreement, brought the Mohawk victories after victories in conquering back their adversaries.




gideon