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Hiawatha Belt
Hiawatha Belt
Easily recognized today as a flag representing the Kanien'kehá:ka, the original version of this symbol was a meticulously crafted belt made of beads and string. This belt was created as a symbolic contract of sorts, representing the agreements made of the original 5 nations coming together under the Great Law of Peace.
Colours of Wampum
Colours of Wampum
The original beads that were made only came in two colours: nature decided by providing Quahog Shells that come in purple and white. Combinations of purple and white woven into different yet intentional patterns were used to convey messages and meanings between people.
Read Aloud
Read Aloud
As an introduction to this topic, you can read this book about the history of the Peacemaker. The story sets up the history that led up to the creation of the Hiawatha Belt.
Discussion
Discussion
What do different colours mean to you? What kind of emotions or imagery do certain colours mean for you?
Unpack with students how we can convery message with different colours and patterns to others.
Create
Create
Have students design their own wampum belts inspired by Haudenosaunee artistry. They should plan and design them to promote a message; the message can be a class theme (ex. trust, love, community) or can be individual and left up to the student.
Lesson Guidelines
Teaching Objective(s): Students will demonstrate ability to convey meaningful message through non-literary text (art), considering teachings from the story of the Peacemaker and Haudenosaunee history (social studies/art/ela). Students will demonstrate sound understanding of patterns, repetition and tessellation (math).
Materials
Book (Hiawatha and the Peacemaker by Robbie Robertson)
templates of designs
markers
cardboard looms
pony beads (various colours)
yarn
scissors
Instruction
A. Read the story of the Peacemaker together. Ask students to consider what the larger themes are in this historical account of how the Iroquois (Haudenosaunee) confederacy came together.
B. Introduce students to the concept of wampum belts: show them the Hiawatha belt, and ask them to consider what they think it means without any context; discuss together how the belt was created after the story of the peacemaker and what each section represents.
Enrichment: You can discuss more belts like the Two Row Wampum (see video here) . Compare and contrast similartities and differences.
C. Discuss how we can use colours and patterns to convey messages, have students brainstorm how the themes from the story can be visually represented through the creation of belts. Ex. What colours and pattern would you design to symbolize cooperation?
D. Allow students the opportunity the create their own belts, emphasis on patterning and the symbolic use of colours
Differentiations
If you have limited resources or students who struggle with the dexterity needed for beadwork, you can also create wampum belts on paper using the following template: Paper Wampum Belt Craft
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