Wampum Belts are “used as a guide to narrate Haudenosaunee history, traditions and laws." [reference] Wampum beads made from clam shells using both the white and purple parts of the shell are strung together in patterns to record living history.
Two very recognizable Wampum Belts are the Hiwatha Belt and the Two Row Wampum – Gusweñta.
Hiwatha Belt
The Hiwatha Belt is named after Hiwatha the Peacemaker, and records the peace agreement between the five nations: Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk.
Two Row Wampum – Gusweñta
The Two Row Wampum – Gusweñta records the living history of one of the oldest treaty relationship in North America. The treaty was made in 1613 between the “Onkwehonweh (original people) of Turtle Island (North America) and European immigrants." [reference]
The Two Row Wampum -Gusweñta is the foundation of all relationships with Europeans and based on “universal relationship of non-domination, balance, and harmony between different forces." The Two Row principles of peace, respect, and friendship can exist within any relationship between autonomous beings working in concert. These include nation-to-nation relationships, dynamics between lovers and partners, and the relationship between human beings and our environment." [reference]
