Cornplanter, Edward, 1856-1918

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Edward Cornplanter (1856–1918) was a chief of the Seneca people of the Iroquois Nation (Haudenosaunee) and a leading exponent of the Code of Handsome Lake (Gai'wiio, also known as the Longhouse Religion). He was the great-great-grandson of Chief Cornplanter, who led the tribe during the American Revolutionary War. His Seneca name So-son-do-wa means "Deep Night."

Cornplanter was one of six Iroquois authorized as "holders of the Gai'wiio"; he regularly traveled among the Iroquois reservations to pass on the teachings. In 1903 he became concerned that oral transmission of the Gai'wiio` would not keep it from being lost. He wrote it down from memory and gave the material to the archives of New York State for preservation. His son Jesse Cornplanter illustrated this manuscript.

In addition to transcribing The Code of Handsome Lake, Cornplanter assisted the New York State Museum in compiling materials about Native American life in the state. He provided information as to the Iroquois cultivation.

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Papers New York State Historical Documents Inventory
creatorOf The code of Handsome Lake, November 10, 1933, 1933 American Philosophical Society
referencedIn William N. Fenton papers, 1933-2001 American Philosophical Society Library
creatorOf Cornplanter, Jesse J. Indian songs in Seneca dialect, 1916-1951, in syllables, and other rituals. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Beauchamp, William Martin, 1830-1925. Papers, 1869-1904. American Periodical Series I
creatorOf Cornplanter, Edward. The code of Handsome Lake, 1933 Nov. 10. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn Cornplanter, Jesse J. Indian songs in Seneca dialect, 1916-1951, in syllables, and other rituals. American Philosophical Society Library
referencedIn William N. Fenton papers, 1933-2001 American Philosophical Society Library
creatorOf Cornplanter, Edward. [The code of Handsome Lake]: manuscript, ca. 1880. New York State Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Place Name Admin Code Country
New York NY US
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation NY US
Cattaraugus Indian Reservation NY US
Subject
Indian dance
Indians of North America
Iroquoian Indians
Iroquois Indians
Iroquois Indians
Iroquois Indians
Seneca Indians
Seneca Indians
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1856-11

Death 1918-06-10

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