This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. (August 2016) |
Handsome Lake | |
---|---|
Born | Hadawa'ko 1735 |
Died | August 10, 1815 (aged 79–80) |
Nationality | Seneca |
Other names | Sganyadái:yo; Sganyodaiyo; Θkanyatararí•yau•; Skanatalihyo; Ganioda'yo; Ganiodaio; Conudiu; Conudia; Ga-Nyah-Di-Yoh; Kaniatario |
Occupation | Prophet |
Known for | The Code of Handsome Lake (Kaliwihyo/Gaihwi:io) |
Part of a series on |
Anthropology of religion |
---|
Social and cultural anthropology |
Handsome Lake (Ganyodaiyo') (1735 – 10 August 1815) was a Seneca religious leader of the Iroquois people. He was a half-brother to Cornplanter (Gayentwahgeh), a Seneca war chief.[1]
Handsome Lake, a leader and prophet, played a major role in reviving traditional religion among the Haudenosaunee (People of the Longhouse), or Six Nations Iroquois Confederacy. He preached a message that combined traditional Haudenosaunee religious beliefs with a revised code meant to revive traditional consciousness to the Haudenosaunee after a long period of cultural disintegration following colonization. This message was eventually published as the "Code of Handsome Lake" and is still practiced today.