Book

The code of Handsome Lake, the Seneca prophet

University of the State of New YorkAlbany, 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.
Subjects
General character of religion
Theological systems
Magicians and diviners
culture
Iroquois
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