The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

A COMMON BATTLE PRACTICE OF THE MOHAWK INDIANS WAS TO CUT
OUT A PIECE OF THEIR OPPONENT'S HEART AND EAT IT AS A SYMBOL
OF VICTORY. THEY ALSO WERE REQUIRED TO DRINK THEIR ENEMY'S
BLOOD. DEER HUNTERS TODAY CARRY ON THIS TRADITION BY
DRINKING THE BLOOD OF THE FIRST DEER THAT THEY KILL

Submitter comment: I WAS AT AN OUTDOOR FIRING RANGE WITH MY DAD WHEN HE
BEGAN TALKING WITH A MAN ABOUT DEER HUNTING. THE MAN
CLAIMED HE WAS OF MOHAWK INDIAN DESCENT, AND TOLD US THE ABOVE
STORY.

Where learned: MICHIGAN ; MARYSVILLE

James Callow Keyword(s): CANNIBALISM ; HUNTING