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NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



a basswood 1 tree which gradually transformed to a great mask, 

 and related to him its power. 



The Go-gon-sa (Mask) 



It could see behind the stars. It could create storms, and 

 summon the sunshine. It empowered battles or weakened the 

 forces at will. It knew the remedy for each disease, and could 

 overpower Death. It knew all the poison roots and could repel 

 their strong evils. Its power was life, its peace the o-yank-wah, 

 the tobacco which drowsed to rest. The venomous reptiles knew 

 its threat and crept from its path. It would lead the young hunter 

 back to his people when the Stone Giant directed. It said: " My 

 tree, the basswood, is soft, and will transform for the molder. 

 My tree wood is porous, and the sunlight can enter its darkness. 

 The wind voice can whisper to its silence and it will hear. My 

 tree wood is the life of the Go-gon-sa. Of all in the forest there 

 is none other." 



With this knowledge, the young hunter started on his way carving 

 go-gon-sa-so-oh, (false faces). From the basswood he hewed them. 

 By the voice of the Stone Giant he was guided to choose ; and well 

 he learned the voices of all the forest trees before he completed 

 his task. 



In his travels he met many strange animals and birds, which he 

 detained until he had carved them in the basswood; and inviting 

 them to tarty, learned their language and habits; and though 

 fearing the Giant's reproval, for he constantly heard his voice en- 

 couraging or blaming, he learned to love these descendants of his 

 ancestors, and was loath to leave them when compelled to return 

 to his home. 



Many years had passed in the laborious task, and he who entered 

 the cave a youth, had become a bent old man when, burdened 

 with the go-gon-sas he had carved, he set out on his return to his 

 people. Year after year his burden had grown heavier, but his 

 back broadened in strength, and he had become a giant in stature 

 when he reached his home and related his story. 2 



1 The proper wood for " medicine masks " is the basswood. A mythical reason is given 

 for its employment but the practical reason is probably that it is easy to carve. The Indians 

 also ascribed medicinal virtues to its bark and used the sap as a lotion for wounds. The 

 bark furnished fiber for twine and fabrics and also when peeled off in troughs furnished 

 conduits that conveyed water from springs. 



2 The lost hunter became the founder of the False Face Company and instructed the 

 first band in its ceremonies and ritual. The editor found one of the Stone Giant's masks 

 in the possession of a member of the Cattaraugus Company and purchased it for the State 

 Museum. It never was used in public ceremonies in the Long House but always within 

 the company's lodge. 



