Myths and legends of the New York state Iroquois . the last decision rested entirely with the mothers. The motherwas also responsible for the married life of her children. Whenthere were contentions it was her duty to judge upon them. Ifpeace could not be established she decided that a separation mustfollow. As this was considered a disgrace her consent was not oftengiven. If possible the contentious parties would be persuaded toreconciliation. If after several councils the separation was con-sidered an absolute necessity, by cause of incompatibility of temper,or refusal to recognize the marri

Myths and legends of the New York state Iroquois . the last decision rested entirely with the mothers. The motherwas also responsible for the married life of her children. Whenthere were contentions it was her duty to judge upon them. Ifpeace could not be established she decided that a separation mustfollow. As this was considered a disgrace her consent was not oftengiven. If possible the contentious parties would be persuaded toreconciliation. If after several councils the separation was con-sidered an absolute necessity, by cause of incompatibility of temper,or refusal to recognize the marri

The Reading Room / Alamy Stock Photo

Image ID: 2AWCWF1

This image is a public domain image, which means either that copyright has expired in the image or the copyright holder has waived their copyright. Alamy charges you a fee for access to the high resolution copy of the image.

Myths and legends of the New York state Iroquois . the last decision rested entirely with the mothers. The motherwas also responsible for the married life of her children. Whenthere were contentions it was her duty to judge upon them. Ifpeace could not be established she decided that a separation mustfollow. As this was considered a disgrace her consent was not oftengiven. If possible the contentious parties would be persuaded toreconciliation. If after several councils the separation was con-sidered an absolute necessity, by cause of incompatibility of temper,or refusal to recognize the marriage relation, a divorce was de-clared. The wife returned to the home of her mother taking withher her property and the children. She was held accountable inlaw for the faithful discharge of her duty to her children. If any family had disputes of a domestic or financial nature themother with other members of her clan was called for advice.By this convention of relatives the case was judged and the decisionof this domestic court was final, Plate 7. A modern Seneca girl in lier grandmuthers costume Plate 8