essay

The religion of Handsome Lake: its origin and development

Symposium on local diversity in Iroquois culture • Washington, D.C. • Published In 1951 • Pages: 77-107

By: Deardorff, Merle H..

Abstract

This article presents a generalized account of the history and development of the Handsome Lake Religion, also known as the 'Good Word' or the 'Good Message,' at Cornplanter, near Warren, Pennsylvania. Although the article gives very little specific information on the tenets of the religion, it does establish the background for its introduction and growth among the Iroquois, and shows clearly how this new religion was able to flourish, unlike similar nativistic movements. The article clearly shows the effects of missionary doctrines on the Iroquois, and especially that of the Quakers on Handsome Lake.

HRAF PubDate

1996

Region

North America

Sub Region

Eastern Woodlands

Document Type

essay

Evaluation

Creator Type

Businessperson

Document Rating

5: Excellent Primary Data

Analyst

John Beierle ; 1961

Field Date

1948

Coverage Date

ca. 1800

Coverage Place

Cornplanter, Pa., United States

Notes

Merle H. Deardorff

LCSH

Iroquois Indians