Tom Porter

Clanology Tom Porter

The Haudenosaunee are a matrilineal society, so each clan is linked by a common female ancestor with women possessing a leadership role within the clan. Family names and clans are passed down from mother to child. The clans are represented by birds and animals and are divided into the three elements: water, land and air. The bear, wolf and deer represent the land element, the turtle, eel and beaver represent the water element and the snipe, hawk and heron represent the air element. This book discusses all aspects of the clan system of the Haudenosaunee.