Iroquois du Nord Decorated Antler Combs: Reflections of Ideology

The Seneca produced more decorated antler combs than any other Iroquoian-speaking group, an increase in their production coincident with the introduction of iron tools and the growth of their political and military strength in the post-1650 period. This paper will describe the combs that have been recovered from Kente, Bead Hill and Teiaiagon and show how their intricately carved and etched designs, similar to those found on combs from the Iroquois homeland, convey aspects of Haudenosaunee ideology.