You are here:

1. » Home
2. » Areas
3. » Mythology
4. » Americas
5. » Native American mythology
6. » False Faces

Cite/print/rate article
Send comment    References

by Gerald Musinsky

This English term, coined by the 17th century British colonials in North America, refers to masks and the making of masks: Gagosha among the Seneca, Hadu among the Onandoga, Gaguwara by the Mohawk. The reference also applies to certain tribal groups, the Faces Society. Each mask has a name associated with a particular mythic persona and are used in various healing rituals and ceremonies. Shagodyowehgowah or "Great Protector" is the head of all the False Faces. Anyone cured of a False Face illness is initiated into the society that aided in the cure.