Book

The code of Handsome Lake, the Seneca prophet

University of the State of New York • Albany, N.Y. • Published In 1913 • Pages: 148 , plates

By: Parker, Arthur C..

Abstract

This document consists mainly of a translation of the record of the teachings of Handsome Lake, the early nineteenth century founder of the contemporary Iroquois longhouse religion. Handsome Lake's code was received in visions and formed the basis of a revitalization movement integrating traditional Iroquois religious beliefs and practices with those of Christians. The record was first set down in the Seneca language in the mid-19th century. It was memorized by Edward Cornplanter who subsequently lost the original text. Cornplanter rewrote the text from memory in 1903. The Code is here translated from the Seneca by William Bluesky, a Seneca lay preacher of the Baptist church. Accounts of Seneca longhouse ceremonies that are part of the new religion and a description of several Seneca medicine societies are also included.

HRAF PubDate

1996

Region

North America

Sub Region

Eastern Woodlands

Document Type

Book

Evaluation

Creator Type

Ethnologist

Document Rating

4: Excellent Secondary Data

Analyst

William W. Stein ; 1955

Field Date

no date

Coverage Date

not specified -- this is a religious tract

Coverage Place

Seneca ; New York State, United States

Notes

Arthur C. Parker

LCSH

Iroquois Indians