Barry Lee also does presentations of the Wampum Belt Agreements of Pennsylvania. In these talks he brings several replica wampum belts for the audience to inspect, pick up and feel the weight of the agreements.
Starting with the Two Row agreement (Guswetha) up to the belt that John Hancock instructed colonial Indian agent George Morgan and White Eyes (Lenape) to bring to Fort Pitt to cajole the western Native nations not to take part in the Revolution.
Presented are four of the wampum belts, he brings to talks and exhibitions. As a disclaimer, all the information presented here is conjecture at best since there is little information as to the actual meanings of the symbolism presented on the belts. The interpretations come from analyzing the Treaties and writings of the times. History is living practice and it changes as we find and learn more. Any other information on any of these belts is welcome and the copy will be adjusted to any new and informed information.
you contact Barry via email: spiritwingmusic@gmail.com cell:610-850-4059
GUSWETHA
The Two Row Wampum
an agreement between the Dutch and the Iroquois. On this river of life, the Euro’s will keep all their traditions on their ships and the Natives will keep all their traditions in theirs.
We will never tell you how to live or steer your ship and we expect vice versa, but we will travel as equals, side by side…and be there to help when one needs.
The Iroquois have never ignored nor forgot this agreement
Penn received this belt during his negotiations that established what was to become, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Many believe this was done at the Shackamaxon Tree in Philadelphia, 1683 though there is no concrete evidence of the exact time. In 1747 at the Treaty of Lancaster it was noted that a “Chief Conestoga” described this belt that Penn carried, so it certainly meant a lot to William Penn. The words reportedly said by Chief Tammanend (Unami, /Turtle Clan) declared this agreement will last “…as long as the rivers flow and as long as the grass grows” It was a commitment that we shall live side by side upon this land granted to us to us to shared with others by Creator. A commitment that “we all belong”
In 1756 at Easton Pa, Gov Denny of Pennsylvania presented this belt to Teedyuskung confirming that he viewed Teedyuskung as the representatives of the ten Native nations. The large figure is Pennsylvania (know as Brother Onas among the Natives) and the ten figures were reportedly the six nations of the Iroquois, the Lenape, the Munsee, the Conestoga, and the Shawnee. Others times I have read the last was Mohican rather than Shawnee. It is to be noted that the Iroquois did not recognize Teedyuskung as a legitimate spokesperson.
In 1775 George Morgan (Indian Agent for the Continental Congress) was instructed to make this belt in correspondence with John Hancock, President of the Continental Congress. It was basically a copy of the wampum belt given to Guyasuta the previous year in an attempt to cajole the Native nations along the Ohio Valley not to become involved in any conflicts with the Colonials in the area. By 1775 this was extended to the coming revolution as Concord and Lexington happen in April of 1775. George Morgan would be accompanied by White Eyes (or Grey Eyes) on his effort to bring the Native nations in on the colonial side or stay neutral. The 13 diamonds represent the 13 colonies and White Eyes was under the impression that the Native people would get their own state (Ohio Valley) if the colonials won. (hence the center line extending to the edge of the belt, so another diamond could be added. This, of course, never happened. White Eyes died un conflicting circumstances while on his mission of peace.
