Iroquois - a people who live in the central regions of the United States and Canada. This ethnos is famous not only for its unusual appearance, but also for its interesting history and traditions. Today we invite you to make a fascinating journey into the deep regions of the Great Lakes and learn more about how the native American Indian Mohawk lives.
What is the League of the Iroquois?
Presumably in 1570, a union of the Iroquois called the League of Hodesosauni arose. Initially, this formation included 5 tribes: Oneida, Mohawk, Cayuga, Onondaga, and Seneca. Later, in 1770, the Tuscarora tribe, expelled from the southern regions of the United States (now East Carolina), joined the League of Hodesosauni.
Due to the close ethnocultural and social contacts of all these groups, Iroquois Indians appeared. It is impossible to compose a description of an ethnos without the characteristics of the tribes that became part of the Hodesosauni League. Therefore, we dwell on each tribe in more detail.
Oneida tribe
Oneida is a tribe of the Iroquois League. Initially, his natives lived in upstate New York, and then settled the land in northeast Wisconsin (in the Green Bay area). "The man of the immovable stone" - this is what every Indian Iroquois who came out of the Oneida tribe calls itself. The history of this name is connected with the local tradition. According to legend, in the center of the main village of Oneida there was always a big red boulder. This stone has become an important symbol of the tribe.
Mohawk Tribe
The Mohawks (or Mohawks) are a North American tribe of Indians living in the eastern regions of New York. In the League of Hodenosauni, this group was called the "guardians of the eastern door." Today the Magawks are the most numerous tribe in the union of the Iroquois. Now they live in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec (Canada).
The first contacts of the Mohawk tribe with the Europeans took place in 1634, when the Dutch stepped onto American lands. Mohawks earlier other Iroquois began to trade with Europeans.
Such famous personalities as Joseph Brant (an officer of the English army who distinguished himself during the War of Independence of the USA), Kateri Tekakvita (the Holy Roman Catholic Church) and Pauline Johnson (a famous Canadian actress and writer) left the Mohawk tribe.
Cayuga tribe
Initially, the Cayuga tribe lived in the area of Cayuga Lake between the Seneca and Onondaga peoples. Today, their descendants live in the province of Ontario (Canada) and in the city of Perrysburg (New York, USA).
The Cayuga tribe comes from Harry Farmer, a famous Canadian actor famous for the Police Academy and The Dead movie.
Onondag tribe
Representatives of the North American tribe Onondaga call themselves "people of the hills." Initially, the people occupied the territory located in the northwest of the state of New York. But after the US War of Independence, the tribe was expelled from these lands and occupied areas of Ontario (Canada).
It should be noted that in the League of Hodenosauni, the Onondag tribe served as “elder brothers,” that is, they occupied leading positions in the Council of the Union.
From the history of the tribe
From the 11th century, the Iroquois occupied a vast area between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario. For a long time they lived in the environment of Algonquin-speaking tribes (Ojibwa, ottav, Algonquin) and waged constant wars for their lands.
The Iroquois League maintained the closest contacts with the Dutch. European merchants bought beaver skins from local tribes and supplied them with firearms in return. After all the beavers in the area between the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario were exterminated, the Dutch pushed the Iroquois to seize new lands. This led to the beginning of the so-called Beaver Wars. In 1660, the Iroquois began to raid New France. The metropolis supported its colonies, as a result of which the North American tribes began to suffer defeat. Meanwhile, British troops captured the Dutch colony of New Netherlands, thereby cutting off the Iroquois from the main trading partners.
In 1688, the war began for the English inheritance between France and Britain. In this conflict, the Iroquois sided with the British. In addition, the North American tribes supported them in the French and Indian War. These two conflicts completely changed the alignment of forces on the continent. The Iroquois became completely dependent on arms supplies from England.
Iroquois in the US War of Independence
In 1775, the War of Independence of the United States began. This conflict involved, on the one hand, the United Kingdom and the loyalists (i.e., loyal to the British government), and on the other - 13 British colonies. Most of the Indians during the war defended the position of neutrality. The Great Council of the Hodjosauni League also initially remained neutral. However, in 1777 the Iroquois sided with Great Britain. The main reason for this was that England was the main supplier of weapons for the North American tribes. In addition, the colonial authorities forbade their people to occupy the territory west of the Appalachian Mountains in order to avoid conflicts with the Indians.
After the end of the war, Great Britain transferred the lands of the Iroquois to US control. During this period, the League Hodenosauni ceased to exist. Part of the Iroquois retreated to the north - to the lands bestowed by the British crown for support in the war. The other half of the Khodenosauney League tribes remained in the territory of New York.
The economy and life of the American Iroquois
So, how did a simple Mohawk Indian live and lead? The culture of the North American tribes that lived in the Great Lakes region was shaped by external factors. Territories inhabited by the Iroquois, lay actually on the mountain ridges. These lands were covered with dense forests and surrounded by rivers and lakes. Natural and climatic conditions determined the characteristics of the economy of the North American tribes.
Iroquois lived in large spacious houses - ovachirah. They consisted of rectangular buildings with barrel-shaped roofs.
The main crop of the tribes was maize. Corn fields occupied vast territories (up to 9 km in radius). In addition, the Iroquois cultivated beans and pumpkin.
Since the 18th century, military and fur trade has been actively developing. This was due to close contacts and trade with the colonists. The North American tribes supplied the Europeans with beaver skins, which were used to make fur hats. Agricultural work, as a rule, was done exclusively by women.
The political life of the Iroquois
In the political life of the North American tribes, the dominant position was occupied by the League of Hodesosauni. Its members were obliged to keep peace among themselves. The League was headed by the Council of Chiefs, consisting of 50 sachems. Its members were elected by mothers of childbirth. Council resolutions were discussed separately by each tribe, and then a unanimous decision was taken. Every leader could impose a veto on any verdict. The first decisions of the Council were the Mohawks, then the Seneca and the Oneida, and the last were the Cayugas and the Onondag.
All the laws and customs of the League of Hodenosauni tribes were recorded in the “Book of the Great Law”. It is worth noting that the US Constitution was created following the model of this document.
The social structure of the North American tribes
The main unit of the social organization of the Iroquois was a clan headed by a woman. Its members possessed collective ownership of land and agricultural land. Each genus bore a specific generic name. As a rule, it was associated with the name of the animal. All women of the genus took an active part in the tribal council. At its meetings elected sachems - members of the Council of leaders.
The tribes could include from 10 to 3 genera. Thus, Seneca, Onondaga, and Kayuga numbered 8 each, and Mohawk and Oneida 3 each.
Appearance of iroquois
A typical American Indian Mohawk, a photo of which is presented below, contrary to popular belief today, did not wear a “Mohawk” hairstyle. Men and tribal chiefs, as a rule, completely shaved their hair. Only a small “scalp strand” remained.
The Iroquois took the warlike appearance only during military campaigns and major religious festivals. Hairstyles, which only slightly resembled today's popular styling, were worn by the Onondaga warriors. They completely shaved off their hair, leaving only a small strip in the center of the head, which was then braided into a braid.
Religious views
Initially, the foundation of the Iroquois religion was totemism - faith in the supernatural powers of animals. Animals acted as eponyms of the genus, served as protection during hostilities, patronized farming and hunting. For example, the Mohawks, going to battle, carried with them a coat of arms depicting the main totem of the tribe.
These cults at a later time acquired industrial significance. The Iroquois believed that the tribe needed to hunt for its totem animal. In this regard, the bear cult was particularly popular among North American Indians.
In addition, in the religious life of the Iroquois, agricultural cults acquired great importance. The tribes idolized and worshiped the land that grants them strength. The cult of the “three nurse nurses” - the main crops (maize, beans and pumpkin) was especially popular.
It should be noted that the Iroquois before the other North American tribes were faced with Christian doctrine. The European religion over time became an integral part of their lives. Currently, the Iroquois profess Christianity.
Iroquois martial art
After the formation of the Khodenosauni League, the military power of previously divided tribes greatly increased. Prior to contact with Europeans, the Iroquois weaponry consisted of bows and arrows, a spear and a club. In addition, they used wooden shields that protected the warrior’s body, head, and legs. The beginning of a lively trade with the Dutch led to changes in the military sphere of life of the North American tribes.
Europeans supplied them with firearms and daggers. However, these innovations did not immediately supplant the usual means of defense for the Iroquois (bow and arrows). The introduction of firearms led to the abandonment of wooden shields. From that time on, the Iroquois also began to apply new battle tactics — a scattering technique across the battlefield.
The Iroquois were more advanced in the use of new weapons than other North American tribes. This was largely due to close trade contacts with Europeans.
Iroquois traditional social dances
In the culture of the Iroquois tribes, which consist of many different tribes and ethnic groups, there are several traditional social dances. For centuries, tribes gathered together in community places to dance, sing and enjoy each other’s company. Many of the social dances are performed during the Iroquois Song of the Earth.
Earth's songs
The social dances of the Iroquois are social gatherings, during which Indians perform traditional dances and sing songs about the Earth. Songs can be different, but all dances are performed in a counterclockwise direction. Almost every dance is accompanied by the accompaniment of a host, who tells historical legends in the native language of the tribe.
The Song of the Earth uses traditional instruments, such as water drums and rattles made of horns. However, the rhythm and tempo of the music largely depends on how the dancers stomp in unison with their feet on the floor or on the ground. This footfall can be divided into three categories:
Normal stomping - dancers stomp their feet in turns, starting with the right foot. The left leg is attached to the right in the process of movement of the dancer on the playground.
Lateral step in random order - legs are rearranged to the side in a random order. This step is performed only by women.
Fish is a specific step, which is performed only in the dance of fish. He is the stamping of each leg several times in a row.
These three rhythms are found in several different Songs about the Earth, most of which can be found today.
The list of main social dances of the Iroquois:
- Alligator dance
- Cherokee dance
- Chicken dance
- Cousin's dance
- Delaware skin dance
- Dacian dance
- Dance of fishing
- Dance of Friendship
- Garter Dance
- Moccasin dance
- New female dance move
- Northern dance
- Dance old moccasin
- pigeon dance
- Rabbit dance
- Raccoon dance
- Robin's dance
- Round dance
- Dance of shaking bushes
- Dance of the sharp stick
- dance of smoke
- Dance of the standing quiver
Each of these dances tells a story related to the name of the dance. Iroquois have many legends associated with most songs about Earth.
History of the mohawk
Grooming got its name in honor of the North American Indian tribe who lived in the regions of Oklahoma and Ontario. Modern settlements are characterized by a peaceful disposition, but their ancestors differed militant character and fought with various tribes. To show their power and fearlessness, the Indians raised all the hair up and fixed it with a special viscous impregnation, which they made from the bark of trees. After reliable fixation, they dyed their hair in bright shades that usually frightened their enemies. This hairstyle spoke about the aggressiveness of the tribe and readiness to fight to the very end.
Over time, the Iroquois was forgotten, but in the XX century it acquired its admirers in the face of punks and was ready. The informal subcultures that originated in the 70s made their image of bright and bright elements, which were symbols of the rebelliousness and destruction of the usual foundations of society. Hairstyles were done on both long and short hair. Even then, several new iroquois variations appeared, which not only boys but also girls made on their heads. Fixed high hair with water, beer or other fixing means.
As is well known, modern fashion often returns to the initial sources or borrows certain details and on their basis introduces new trends. Mohawk is no exception. Professional stylists changed and complemented her hair so that she could become part of an everyday image that is different in style and high taste. Most models of the mohawk have become more restrained and simple in their appearance, and some variations have diluted the range of hairstyles for representatives of the informal environment.
Whatever the style of the Indian element is chosen, the mohawk will always be considered a manifestation of individuality.
Who is the haircut
Mohawk, also called mohawk, has become a modern and practical haircut for many men. Some variants still look brutal, but even they can be used to create a daily look.
The width of the haircut varies from 2 to 15 cm. The choice of size depends on the personal preferences of the client. Whiskey completely shave or cut short. We can say that this hairstyle has no standards.
Indian haircut should be selected based on the type of person:
- She is not advised to do to people with a narrow or elongated face, which she will lose weight more.
- Also, the hairstyle should be abandoned to holders of a narrow chin with massive cheekbones. Mohawk only emphasizes the disadvantageous features of this form.
- People with an oval face can safely do this hairstyle.
- Chubby should choose a wide strip, because a narrow path will look ridiculous.
On thin and sparse hair, the mohawk may not work out properly.In this case, you should consult with a hairdresser, who will help to resolve the issue with an extraordinary haircut. For a harmonious look, many grow a beard that goes well with a spectacular hairstyle.
Everyone chooses the variation with which it will be easy for him to cope. For a daily bow, a short Mohawk is suitable, for which complex styling is not required. With the correct and high-quality fixation, the hairstyle will retain its original appearance until the very end of the day. Long Iroquois are chosen by courageous and creative personalities who are willing to spend a lot of time on the formation and fixation of high grade. Often this style is combined with shaved or neatly trimmed temples. This option is a suitable solution for non-formals.
Some variations of the Iroquois can surprise and shock the public with a bright and energetic look, others can give an image of softness and romance, others can strike with chic and elegance. The mohawk painted in bright colors amazes with an unusual and impudent look. Extravagant haircuts using coloring or highlighting are suitable for a party or a festive event. Modern modifications for short hair will be a great solution for creating a summer look.
Varieties of hair
The male mohawk hairstyle has many variations. It can be of different size and shape. The model is chosen depending on the desired image.
Classical. Whiskey is usually shaved completely. A comb of different heights runs along the middle of the head. The classics are performed on straight or curly curls, but in the second case, the hair must be thick, otherwise the hair will be shapeless and sparse. With curly hair, the sides should be cut short but not shaved, then the overall look will be harmonious.- Short. The male short mohawk is very popular today. Practical haircut is suitable for everyday, business and evening out. The mini-Mohawk has clear parameters: the strip is made 2 cm thick, and the length of the strands is left 4 cm, so this hairstyle often resembles a knife. Short hair is extinguished or completely removed from the sides. The back of the head is completely shaved. The height of the tuft is selected taking into account the shape of the face and body. Bangs can be lengthened so that the overall appearance looks extravagant.
- A long. Such a mohawk is the choice of free and brave people. A strip of hair goes from the forehead to the back of the head, while the temples are completely shaved off. Vertical styling is done with varnish or mousse. Hair will look original with any hair length.
- Gothic. The temporal areas and occipital part are completely shaved. A strip of hair can be straightened or combed. Strands can be of medium length, but they are usually grown long to make the mohawk as bold as possible. There are two subspecies of such a model - American and Siberian. For American Iroquois, a strip with a width of 4 fingers is characteristic, and for Siberian - in two.
Studded. Another informal variation in which the tuft is cut off in steps or stacked with a kind of spikes using varnish. The part where the strands are shaved is cut out with various symbols or patterns.- Quiff. This model involves cutting out the hair in the temporal zone. Strands of medium length at the crown turn into short hair at the back. Haircut without proper styling resembles a shortened bob. Form a Mohawk in the form of a ridge that falls on the forehead.
- Glam chic. Such a mohawk does not require shaving of the temporal region. Long hair combed up and fixed cosmetic. Hairstyle looks presentable and original, and make it quite simple, even without a haircut.
- Thick bangs. Challenging haircut is characterized by long curls in the parietal zone and bang area. With the help of hair styling is obtained in the form of a comb or spikes, like a statue of liberty. Such a model is often supplemented by highlighting or bright staining.
- Creative. Mohawk performed as a classic, but with the addition of patterns in the area of the temples. This haircut looks original and unique. Drawings can be made in the form of an ornament or limbs of animals or birds, the backs of which are made in the form of a comb of the main hair. Popular models are lizards and dragons, which are often painted in green and other bright colors. Haircut is the most interesting Mohawk, but with fast hair growth it will need to be updated frequently.
Classical. Whiskey is usually shaved completely. A comb of different heights runs along the middle of the head. The classics are performed on straight or curly curls, but in the second case, the hair must be thick, otherwise the hair will be shapeless and sparse. With curly hair, the sides should be cut short but not shaved, then the overall look will be harmonious.
Studded. Another informal variation in which the tuft is cut off in steps or stacked with a kind of spikes using varnish. The part where the strands are shaved is cut out with various symbols or patterns.Female mohawk is almost the same as male variation. The only difference is that most girls prefer to cut their hair on medium hair, which looks more harmonious with the overall look. Also, the fair sex trying to choose those models with which you can make a variety of styling.
Variations for boys
Little men also care about their appearance. Simple hairstyles that moms choose for them can be boring. Children's mohawk can be a great solution for a child. This hairstyle will make him more courageous and confident.
Usually for boys choose a short model, which does not require complex care and long styling. Hair in this case does not climb into the eyes. In the summer with such a style the head of the child does not overheat. Mohawk child can be made independently, which is a big plus hairstyle.
Unusual haircut can make a real boy a real Indian. Creativity can be added with a shaved pattern or ornament on the temples.
Where to wear
Extravagant haircut is a fashionable trend, but not everyone can decide on it. Even with a short model, its owner will stand out from the crowd. Before making a decision to cut hair, consider the following nuances.
Today, many consider the Mohawk male hairstyle. Mohawk is difficult to pick up to the female image, so girls should seriously think about the new look. Children choose short haircuts with which they will not look too extreme.
Reserved scallop models can be used to make everyday onions. If at work there is no strict dress code, then office workers can afford the same hair style. A short Mohawk can be seen on football players, wrestlers, music performers and actors. But government officials and the military will not be allowed to walk with the Iroquois.
A medium-length haircut, supplemented by highlighting or coloring, is often used by fashion workers. Rock musicians still adorn the Gothic style or spikes protruding upward. Ordinary teens and informals choose rebellious options, painted in bright shades.
Performance technique
Iroquois is not so complicated in execution, if you do it on short hair. After a few workouts, cutting at home will not be difficult, even on medium and long curls.
For work you will need hairdressers and thinning shears, a clipper and edging machine, a comb with frequent teeth and styling tools. Hair should be well washed and dried before cutting.
Stages of the iroquois:
The head of hair is divided by a direct parting.- The hair from which the hairstyle will be created is separated from the rest of the curls and tightened with rubber bands or clips. The width of the strip is chosen individually.
- Strands on the temples and the back of the head are shaved with an electric machine or shortened with scissors.
- The ends of the resulting strip are modeled in the shape of a triangle, a semicircle or a square with the help of a typewriter. Also, flaws are removed after shearing, which should be symmetrical.
- At the final stage, the tips of the hairs are thinned.
The head of hair is divided by a direct parting.Now it remains only to give the desired shape to the strands. To create a comb directed upwards, you will need mousse or foam. For a long time to keep the appearance of a long Iroquois will help lacquer strong fixation. For the formation of thorns should apply a gel with a wet effect.
Iroquois is not yet a universal hairstyle, but many have already experimented with their appearance, using the ancient Indian element. Simple and easy-styling models deserve the love of many male representatives, and girls are just beginning to try a catchy hairstyle with different images. Over time, the spectacular view of the Mohawk will attract not only surprised, but also admiring glances.
History of creation
Contrary to the general opinion that the Mohawk was invented by representatives of the punk culture of England, this hairstyle appeared in ancient times in the Indian tribes of the same name Iroquois. Now the descendants of this tribe live in America in the states of Oklahoma and Ontario and lead a normal peaceful life.
But their ancestors at one time, in particular, the Cherokee Indians, one of the brightest representatives of the tribe, led a military lifestyle, and the Iroquois was a kind of symbol of courage, aggression, and readiness to fight for their territories and the lives of their families. The Indians made great bright Iroquois, painting them in different colors, demonstrating strength and ruthlessness. By the way, a special substance, similar in consistency and viscosity to resin, helped them to place the Iroquois.
Revival of the iroquois
The 70s of the last century were marked by the emergence of various subcultures both in Russia and abroad. Among them, the punk culture was particularly prominent. The so-called punks were full of colorful clothes and high, painted in all the colors of the rainbow, Iroquois. This hairstyle has become the most important and defining symbol of punk culture. It is noteworthy that water with sugar and soap served as means for creating a iroquois, and rumors circulate among modern Russian youth that the best means was ordinary borsch.
Among the well-known representatives of the time, preferring the Mohawk classical hair style, we can distinguish the group The Exploited, born in Scotland. In Russia, one of the main punks of the country has been and remains to this day the group “Purgen”, at whose concerts one can still see Iroquois on the heads of both the musicians themselves and their listeners.
Mohawk today
Today, those who want to wear a mohawk do not have to use such "deadly" means as tar or borscht, as the stores' counters are buried in various fixing means. This varnishes, and gels, and mousses for hair. In addition, the Mohawk as a symbol of protest and struggle has long lost its relevance.
Today, this hairstyle is just a symbol of individuality and a means to emphasize style. Famous foreign actors, representatives of sports and show business occasionally shock the public with Iroquois of various lengths, heights and colors. And it is perceived only as following the fashion - no aggression and desire for anarchy.
