THE CODE OF HANDSOME LAKE III 



Now to him who wrapped the body in its burial covering [or 

 made the coffin], the relatives offer thanks. 



[The gift is bestowed as previously described.] 



Now the matron who has managed the funeral receives a gift 

 of thanks. 



[This named person being the one who has first received and 

 given the gifts now remains seated while the wife or sister of the 

 preacher rises and receiving the gift bestows it. According to 

 Iroquois etiquette it would be an improper thing for the matron to 

 receive her own gift and bear it before the eyes of the crowd to 

 her seat. The recipients are supposed not to be eager to receive 

 the gifts, the things that once belonged to the dead. Besides ac- 

 cording to Iroquois philosophy one can not give one's self a thing.] 



Now she who notified the people — the relatives desire to give 

 thanks and offer this gift. 



Now those who dug the grave — to you the relatives give thanks 

 and offer gifts. 



And now you the good friends and relatives, of what is remaining 

 receive you this gift. [The preacher names each person for whom 

 a gift is intended, repeating the formula given. If property of 

 considerable value as live stock or lands is left, the speaker for the 

 mourners in behalf of the council of heirs tells the preacher their 

 decisions and they are announced before the audience. The modern 

 " death feast law " provides that in the event of ,a man's death his 

 property must go to his children. If he is without issue, then it 

 reverts to his wife. If he was unmarried it was given to the 

 nearest of kin. The law further provides that the property must 

 be divided and apportioned at the " death feast." By the old law 

 the nearest of kin on the clan (maternal) side received the prop- 

 erty. Children did not ordinarily inherit their father's property, 

 but their mother's. Their " mother's husband's " belongings went 

 to the kin of the clan to which he belonged.] 



[If the dead were an officer of any kind, the preacher announced 

 who was to take his or her place. In order that this election be 

 valid the person chosen must stand, if possible, in the very spot 

 where the dead person expired.] 



Now I have finished speaking for the relatives. 



Now listen to another matter, all ye who are here present. 



Now at this time let the [mourning] relatives cease their grieving. 

 Now may they go and do whatsoever they wish. They are the 

 same as ever and may speak as they please again. Now can they 



