Iroquois Skennen Peace Mask Story Poem by Kimberly Burnham

In ancient times
peace "skennen" hewn
from the trunk of a living tree
that the mask might be alive
with spiritual qualities
of the World Tree
a symbol of peace and unity
Basswood fibers robust with healing virtues

Selected a tree
burn tobacco at its roots
retell the legend of the first False Face
ask the tree for its life
roughly blocked out the "skennen" features
split the mask away from the trunk
if it does not break
and the basswood remained unshaken
this is proof
the tree acquiesced
to give its life for peace

Once initiated in the ways of "skennen" and unity
spiritual powers florish
must be treated with great care and respect
do not neglect
peace must be talked to
fed mush, and anointed with sunflower oil
head the special powers to warn
owners of impending sickness or death

One old Seneca mask
thought to be able to instruct newer masks
was laid away with them for that purpose
never mock peace
speak with respect and kindness

Find peace in the mountains, trees and rivers
under the gaze of Skennenrahawi, The Great Peacemaker
his spiritual name rarely pronounced aloud
means "Two Rivers Flowing Together"
two becoming one
his Mohawk title, Skennenrahawi
"Peace- Maker"