Making a large two-row wampum belt (2' x 5') with Angel Horn and Katsitsanoron Dumoulin Bush

The two-row wampum, known as Teiohate Kaswenta in the Mohawk language, tells the story of an agreement between the native peoples and the Dutch. This agreement is based on the principle of respectful co-existence between the two nations.

According to the guardians of aboriginal knowledge, the history of the two-row ampum dates back to 1613, when the Mohawks saw the arrival of newcomers to their territory, who then began the decimation of the land. A delegate from Haudenosaunee was sent to meet the Dutch and negotiate an agreement with these newcomers to Haudenosaunee land. Oren Lyons, guardian of the Onondaga belief, recounts that the “two-row wampum treaty” was created to reach a consensus on how the nations should relate to each other.

While the Dutch suggested the Mohawks call them “father”, the Mohawks proposed another option: “brother” to demonstrate a more equitable and autonomous relationship. The Haudenosaunee marked this agreement with beads on a wampum belt. The wampum belt has been integrated as an artifact and object, but like any other document, it is read by those who understand the language.

The wampum is an indicator of fairness and respect, representing two boats navigating the river of life without governing the other. Each boat contains the life, laws and people of each culture. The agreement will remain in place “as long as the sun rises in the east and sets in the west, as long as the rivers flow down the hills, and as long as the grass grows green.” In other words, this agreement will endure as long as there are humans.