HISTORY OF THE NEW YORK IROQUOIS I4I 



live apparel. The neat and handsome moccasin long survived 

 and beaded work is still used. At one time elaborate bone combs 

 were much employed, and early writers mention stockings and 

 mittens. 



In the household the large wooden pestle and mortar are still 

 found, being preferred in mealing corn, for very good reasons. 

 Basket sieves, stirring sticks and other things are still used, but 

 the wooden spoon has had its day. 



Two early games were those of lacrosse and the dish or bowl, 

 the latter now called the peach-stone game. Both these are wide- 

 spread and of high antiquity. The latter is for great occasions, 

 but has a modification for domestic use, which may be quite as 

 old. The snow snake is of uncertain age, having no mention in 

 early writings, as several minor games have not. The musical 

 instruments were and are the flute, kettledrum and various kinds 

 of rattles. 



Sepulture was rarely on the surface, the body being usually 

 bound in a crouching posture and placed upright in a pit, but 

 ways of burial varied greatly and sometimes curiously. Some 

 memorial often marked the spot. Pits were also dug to hold 

 grain, and many open ones may yet be seen. They are some- 

 times mistaken for graves. Bone pits were rare, though much 

 used by the Neutrals and Hurons. 



During the historic period wampum came into use in many 

 ways, but was hardly known in the interior before. Wooden 

 masks have an age of over two centuries and are still made. 

 Worship has varied greatly, and consists mainly of singing and 

 dancing. The great Iroquois feast was that once termed a turn- 

 ing of the head, when dreams were related and the wildest follies 

 committed. This at last became the white dog feast, now almost 

 obsolete. There are many minor feasts, mostly of thanksgiving. 

 Belonging to these are many dances, original and adopted, of 

 which Morgan has given a long list, enumerating 32, with 

 descriptions of many. 



As with all unlettered nations, the story-teller was a man of 

 importance, giving pleasure in many an idle hour. His tales of 



