Although many of the Iroquois wars were likely rooted in economic causes (disputes over hunting and trapping territory), the motivation of an individual was often the desire to avenge a kinsman. The women played a role here, frequently demanding that their brothers and sons take an enemy captive to replace a lineage member who had died or been killed. When going to war the Iroquois male carried a special collar and rope, known as a prisoner tie, which was used to bind captives. This particular example is said to be a relic of a raid by Caughnawaga Mohawks on Fort Massachusetts and Deerfield, Massachusetts, in August 1746.
Courtesy: Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, Memorial Hall Museum, Deerfield, Massachusetts
