Dwarf League

The Dwarf League is a medicine league of the Iroquois - Indians . The rites of the dwarf society belong to the religion of the little folk , whose goodwill all Indians seek. The dwarves are considered to be very powerful. They demand full attention. Otherwise, those who refuse will be punished. Society sings for all the supernatural beings and magical animals that are there, in order of importance: the elves or dwarves, the great horned snake, the blue panther, and the airborne wren . Other magical animals that are on the same level in the hierarchy are the white beaver , the corn bug, the sharp-legged beast, the little dry hand, the spirit wind, and the great naked bear .

A ritual of this society contains 102 songs, divided into four sections. It's called the Dark Dance . All songs are sung in the dark. It is believed that the spiritual members of society come and accompany the singers. This should be audible later. The water drum and horn rattle are used in this ceremony. There is also a short dance. The dark ceremony is there to appease certain spirits. Meetings can also be held if a member or outsiders are harassed by any signs or noises.

literature

• Arthur C. Parker: Secret Medicine Societies of the Seneca . In: American Anthropologist, Vol. 11, 1909. New York: Kraus Reprint Corporation, 1962