The new narrative was reinforced with physical symbols, akin to a currency or a flag, in the form of belts of beads made of wampum, the Iroquois’ money. A surviving Hiawatha belt, dating from the eighteenth century (and probably a copy of earlier belts), contains symbols of the five nations – Seneca, Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida, and Mohawk – much as the US flag contains stars representing each of its states.