Wampum belts are woven on wooden looms. Wampum belts, Condolence Canes, and pictographs, are in reality, the way the Haudenosaunee record and recorded the founding of the Confederacy, the spiritual and political history, and other important events, for it is a form of writing and record keeping. The symbols woven into each of the belts, and the pattern of the colors used on string wampum, has specific meaning to the Haudenosaunee, which can be read by the Keepers of the Wampum. Today wampum is still a very important part of the spiritual and political culture of the Haudenosaunee.

Replica of a Two Row Wampum Belt photo by Kanatiyosh

The belt pictured above is the Kaswentha (Two Row) Wampum Belt. The United States claims that when the Haudenosaunee and other Indian nations entered into a treaty or an agreement with the Indians, they agreed to a paternalistic relationship with the United States being the Great White father. However, the Haudenosaunee know that this claim by the United States is untrue, for the Haudenosaunee fully intended to retain their sovereignty.

When the Haudenosaunee entered into a treaty or an agreement with another nation, the Two Row Wampum belt was laid out before the parties and the meaning of the belt was explained to all present. The following is the meaning of the Two Row Wampum:

The intent of the Haudenosaunee to retain their sovereignty is clear! The Haudenosaunee entered into treaties and agreements as equals, and NOT as father to sons in a paternalistic relationship as the United States government and its courts would have one believe.