Submitted by John Kahionhes Fadden

Pictographic images existed throughout the Americas in many forms, reflecting different cultural groups. In the Southwest, images were pecked onto stone surfaces and are called petroglyphs. Some exist in the Northeast as well. Throughout the western plains pictographic images were used to identify cultural groups, express achievements, and to decoratively enhance dwellings. Teepees of buffalo hide carried images of clan, nation, and legend as did shields and clothing. To the south and on into South America, forms of pictographic communication existed. Among the Mayan, pictographic images known as glyphs evolved into a written language.

The nations of the Iroquois Confederacy used pictographs on the shaft of Condolence Canes. These canes are used in the ceremonial process which places traditional leaders into office. The figures on the cane illustrate the names of the chieftain titles of the Grand Council.

Pictographic images can be found on Iroquois wampum belts. Belts and strings of wampum were structured that carried messages, expressed views, and were devices used to contract agreements. Some of the belts carried images that were symbols of identity. The Hiawatha Belt, for example, illustrated the Iroquois Tree of Peace and images of each of the original member nations of the Confederacy. The figures are bound together in unity by a white line symbolizing the Path of Peace. Pictographic designs were also produced on clothing with pigments, beads and porcupine quills. The images depicted clan, nation and elements of Iroquois cosmology.

The name of the town, Painted Post, located near Binghamton, NY in the southern tier, interestingly enough, is a consequence of Iroquois pictograph. The name is the result of the fact that the town’s site is at a historic stopover spot of a major Iroquois trail. Iroquois travelers would remove sections of bark from trees in the area. Upon the exposed wood they would render pictographic images. Perhaps they were symbols of clans, nations and individuals. They may have simply stated who was passing through and other brief statements. Eventually colonials settled in the area and due to the prominence of the pictographically enhanced trees they called their new home, Painted Post. The trees and the pictographs have long since vanished and the only evidence of their existence is the name of the town.