Can anyone there please tell me the significance of the
Broken Arrow ???
I have been arguing with some friends that it was a sign
of Peace.....symbolizing the end of a conflict......They
say it is a sign of war ???
Who is right ?
catman........tymll

catman228@earthlink.net

chet travirca
3212 coquina cove
gautier, ms.  39553

Reply by John Fadden: August 28, 1999

There are many Native American cultural groups throughout North America.
Among the Haudenosaunee (Six Nations or Iroquois Confederacy) a broken
arrow was used by the Peacemaker as a symbol in the process of expressing
to the people of the nations that it was wise to join together.  One arrow
could be broken easily.  Two arrows, although a little more difficult to
break, could still be broken.  Three arrows was more difficult yet, but
could be broken.  Four arrows with more effort could be broken as well.
Five arrows, bound together could be bent but not broken...thus, in unity
there is strength.

The strength of the bound arrows was further strengthed during the
beginning of the 18th century when the Tuscaroras became the sixth nation
of the Haudenosasunee confederation.

I don't know what the symbol of a broken arrow meant among other native nations.

John Fadden
Six Nations Indian Museum
HCR 1, Box 10
Onchiota, NY 12989

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