There were a variety of different Iroquois Masks, each with their own importance and purpose. Religious, spiritual, ceremonial, artistic, and other influences all contributed to these pieces. In a way, these masks greatly reflect the same importance the Aboriginal Boomerangs had to the Australian Indigenous People.
While there were a variety of groups that constructed these masks, the False Face Society was the prevalent one. Investigating this society, what materials were used to construct the masks, and why they were so important is a pivotal part in understanding the Iroquois tribe.
The Iroquois False Face Society
The most famous of all Iroquois Masks was the carved wooden ones. These masks were made by the skilled individuals of the False Face Society. While they had different purposes, they were primarily used for healing or curing rituals.
These masks were designed to look like certain spirits and mythical creatures of the Iroquois culture. Usually, the tales of such spirits were handed down from generation to generation, or one of the members of the False Face Society would develop their mask based on a dream they had which featured a spirit.
To keep the spirit within the masks, the False Face Society would have tobacco burning into the wood. While to some this spiritual aspect may seem weird, it was the main reason for creating such masks. The spirits imbued within them would prove useful in healing others during elaborate ceremonies.
The Iroquois Healing Mask
It is interesting to note that the artistic value of spirit representations was insignificant to the Iroquois. Rather, the power of such masks was deemed as the most important aspect to understand.
The Iroquois believed that they held mystical powers within them, and had the potential to cure certain diseases that threatened the lives of other tribe members.
For example, in one scenario an older individual of the tribe had developed a vicious disease and required the mending of the masks.
The False Face Society conducted a ceremony in a private setting, chanting prayers and using the power of the masks to heal the man.
Those whom had been healed by the society were permitted to join the ranks of the False Face. Others could join if they had dreamed about one of the spirits, or joining the actual society.
Style, Construction, and Materials
The masks were commonly made of a basswood tree. Other trees used included poplar, maple, or pine trees. The society did not cut certain parts of the tree off and then carve, but rather, carved the mask out of the tree.
During the carving process, the Iroquois sang and repeated prayers in an attempt to please the spirits that were being imbued into the masks. Common features of the masks included:
- Large Noses
- Bent Noses
- Deep Eyes
- Varying Mouth Expressions
- Arched Brows
- Long Hair
The hair that framed the masks was made of a horse's tail. It was not until the mask was completely finished and constructed that it was cut off of the tree.
Iroquois Masks Today
As one can see, the significance of such masks was astronomical. The False Face Society continues to produce high-quality masks to this day, and they have the same cultural and spiritual importance than before. Others that are not members of the group have attempted to reconstruct their works. Some have succeeded and went on to sell them to collectors and museums. Others have failed or have been stopped by the Iroquois, whom greatly disapproves of such an act.
Sources
Smallgoose Native: Iroquois False Face Society
Curtis Nash - Curtis has been writing for over three years, but only professionally for one. He started with various Freelance websites and slowly ...
