These two carvings by Ryan Sandy (Cayuga, Six Nations/Haudenosaunee) encapsulate the many teachings and representations of “The Elder Brothers” and “The Younger Brothers”. These pieces speak to Indigenous nationhood, responsibility, connectedness and governance by meticulously carving traditional expressions through symbology. Every element of these carvings hold a traditional and/or cultural meaning/representation.
Originally, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy was inclusive of the original five Nations (Onondaga, Mohawk, Seneca, Oneida and Cayuga); these nations are all accurately represented by the distinct positioning of feathers on each Gustoweh (traditional headpiece symbolizing nation affiliation/identity). These carvings also include representative wampum belts applicable to these Haudenosaunee Nations and their teachings, responsibilities and laws.
Wampum was an important part of Haudenosaunee culture as they symbolize important communications and agreements. Quahog shells are sanded and drilled to create beads which are woven/beaded to make up each wampum belt. These sculptures specifically depict 3 distinct wampum belts: The Ever-Growing Tree belt (represents the Great Tree of Peace), The Hiawatha Belt (Five Nations Confederacy Belt) and the Circle Wampum (50 chiefs with linked arms, maintaining the Great Peace).
The Elder Brothers sculpture represents an entrusted duty or responsibility to protect both the Western and Eastern doors to the Haudenosaunee homeland/territories; to ensure those wishing to enter were doing so with good intentions. This was entrusted to the Onondaga, Mohawk and Seneca Nations.
The Younger Brothers sculpture represents the Oneida and Cayuga Nations’ responsibility to adopt new Nations to the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and to show/teach them the way of the Haudenosaunee.
Ryan Sandy The Elder Brothers soapstone 21x14.5x11 inches
