The Iroquois societies were unique among the North American civilizations in that the role of the women was much different. The women were held on high regard. They were well respected in the society. The Clan Mothers were the ones that had the power to appoint leader, as well as to strip the leader off its power. The women had their own possessions, and even after marriage they were keeping them, not being mixed with those of their husbands. The largest land owners were women. In general the Iroquois societies were matriarchal.
