The two-curve motif in Indian art is widely distributed throughout America. In many instances it seems to have meanings similar to that given it by the Iroquois, though there are other instances where it has not. It is sometimes used with a few simple additions to represent the face of the thunderbird or even the human face, at least the eyes and nose. In a more elaborate form it is found in the Fejérvary Codex as a tree symbol though a variation of the form in the Vienna codex makes the cross-section of a vase.
Fig. 7.—“The big tree in the middle of the earth.” From the Ojibwa Midéwiwin.
It is not strange that the simple outline should be found almost universally. It is one of those simple conceptions in art that would occur to any people independently. Many things in nature suggest it. It is not its outline, however, so much as its use as a definite symbol and its combination with others that gives it interest to the writer.
The world-tree with its long leaves and luminous flowers is worthy of more detailed consideration. It seems to have been a deeply imbedded concept with the certain branches of the Algonquin stock and of the Iroquois, affecting not only their mythology and ceremonial language but also their decorative art. Whether the idea has a deeper and more primitive meaning than here suggested the author does not pretend to know.
E. THE SOCIETY THAT GUARDS THE MYSTIC POTENCE.
Among the Seneca Indians for many years the most important ceremonial society has been and now is the organization called Neh Ho-noh-chi-noh-gah (Ne‘ Ho-non’tci‘non’´gä‘), commonly called the “Secret Medicine Society,” and as often the “Little Water Company.”
This society (hoĕnnidion’got) is instituted primarily to preserve the mystic potence or orenda (meaning magical power) supposed to be inherent in the medicine called the niga‘ni‘gă´ă‘ (meaning small dose), and to preserve the methods of administering it.
Of the several native societies that have survived among the Seneca, none remains more exclusive, more secret or so rigorously adheres to its ancient forms. No organization among the Seneca is so well knit together and not one is so united in its purpose. Its members and officers are among the most conservative and best respected men of their communities, and they preserve the rites of the order with great fidelity. Harmony prevails for discord of any kind would be at variance with the very fundamental teachings of the order. No organization among the Senecas today is so mysterious, nor does any other possess the means of enforcing so rigorously its laws. The Honohtcinohgah is without doubt a society of great antiquity; few Iroquois societies, perhaps, are more so. One authority has contended that it is a tribal branch of an organization found everywhere, among Indians throughout the continent and produced arguments to support the theory, but an examination of its traditions and ritual would lead to the opinion that it is purely Iroquoian.
In order to understand the organization it is first necessary to understand the legend of its origin when many otherwise obscure allusions will be made apparent. This is given in 69, under Traditions, page [386].