This organization is one of the better known societies of the Iroquois, and its rites have often been described, though not always correctly interpreted. There are three divisions of the False Faces, and four classes of masks--doorkeeper or doctor masks, dancing masks, beggar masks, and secret masks. The beggar and thief masks form no part of the paraphernalia of the true society, and the secret masks are never used in public ceremonies in the council house at the midwinter ceremony. The False Face ceremonies have been well described, though by no means exhaustively, by Morgan 1 and Boyle 2. The main features are generally known. The paraphernalia of this society consist of the masks previously mentioned, turtleshell rattles (snapping turtles only), hickory bark rattles, head throws, a leader's pole upon which is fastened a small husk face, a small wooden false face, and a small turtle rattle, and a tobacco basket. There are two Seneca legends setting forth the origin of the False Faces, and three with the Mohawk story. These stories, however, explain the origin of different classes of masks. Each mask has a name. One story relates that the False Faces originated with the Stone Giants. However this may be, the writer obtained in 1905, from a woman claiming to be the keeper of the secret masks, a mask representing the Stone Giant's face. With it was a mask made of wood, over which was stretched a rabbit skin stained with blood. This mask was supposed to represent the face of a traitor as he would look when drowned for his infamy. Chief Delos Kettle said it was used to cure veneral diseases. There is some dispute as to the antiquity of the False Face Company. Doctor Beauchamp, in his History of the Iroquois, 3 says it is comparatively recent. From a study of the Seneca society, however, the writer is inclined to believe that it is quite old with them,
The principal False Face ceremonies are: Ganoi`'iowi, Marching Song; Hodigosshos'ga, Doctors' Dance, and Yeansêndâdi'yas, Doorkeepers' Dance. 127:1 Morgan, Fifth Annual Report New York State Cabinet (Museum), 1852, p. 98. 127:2 Boyle, Archaeological Report, Provincial Museum, Toronto, 1898, p. 157. 127:3 N. Y. State Mus. Bul. 78, p. 141.]
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