Mohican vs. Mohawk — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 21, 2023
Mohican refers to a Native American tribe from the western part of present-day Massachusetts. Mohawk refers to another Native American tribe originally from upstate New York and also a hairstyle inspired by them.
Difference Between Mohican and Mohawk
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Key Differences
The term Mohican refers to a Native American tribe that originally resided in the western part of what is now Massachusetts. They were part of the Algonquian language family and are sometimes confused with the Mohegan tribe, another Algonquian-speaking tribe from Connecticut.
Mohawk, in contrast, is the name of a Native American tribe that was a part of the Iroquois Confederacy. They originally lived in upstate New York and are known for their role in the fur trade and as skilled warriors. Additionally, the term Mohawk is commonly associated with a distinct hairstyle featuring a central strip of upright hair with the sides shaved.
The term Mohican has been immortalized in literature, most notably in James Fenimore Cooper's "The Last of the Mohicans." However, the Mohawk tribe and its members have had a more sustained public profile, in part because of their ongoing involvement in political issues, such as land rights.
It's important to note that while the Mohawk hairstyle was inspired by the Mohawk tribe, the hairstyle was not traditionally worn by them. The Mohican tribe also has no association with this hairstyle. Confusion often arises because both terms sound similar, but they refer to entirely different Native American tribes and cultural contexts.
Comparison Chart
Origin
Western Massachusetts
Upstate New York
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Language Group
Algonquian
Iroquoian
Famous For
"The Last of the Mohicans"
Mohawk hairstyle, Iroquois Confederacy
Hairstyle
No specific hairstyle associated
Mohawk hairstyle inspired by the tribe
Current Profile
Less politically active
More politically active, especially in land rights
Compare with Definitions
Mohican
A Native American tribe originally from western Massachusetts.
The Mohican tribe played a role in early American history.
Mohawk
A Native American tribe originally from upstate New York.
The Mohawk tribe was part of the Iroquois Confederacy.
Mohican
Pertaining to the culture or language of the Mohican tribe.
Mohican artifacts are displayed in the museum.
Mohawk
Pertaining to the culture or language of the Mohawk tribe.
Mohawk traditions are still practiced today.
Mohican
Fictionalized in the book "The Last of the Mohicans."
The story of the last Mohican is a tale of survival.
Mohawk
Known for involvement in political issues like land rights.
The Mohawk have been active in land rights campaigns.
Mohican
A member of the Mohican tribe.
He is a Mohican by heritage.
Mohawk
A distinct hairstyle featuring a strip of upright hair.
He sports a Mohawk to stand out.
Mohican
Often confused with Mohegan, another Native American tribe.
People often mix up Mohican with Mohegan, which is incorrect.
Mohawk
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting northeast New York along the Mohawk and upper Hudson Valleys north to the St. Lawrence River, with present-day populations chiefly in southern Ontario and extreme northern New York. The Mohawk were the easternmost member of the Iroquois confederacy.
Mohican
Variant of Mahican.
Mohawk
The Iroquoian language of the Mohawk.
Mohican
A member of the Algonquian people formerly living the Hudson valley and eastward to the Housatonic
Mohawk
A hairstyle in which the scalp is shaved except for an upright strip of hair that runs across the crown of the head from the forehead to the nape of the neck.
Mohican
The Algonquian language spoken by the Mohican people
Mohawk
Alternative case form of Mohawk
Mohican
Haircut in which the head is shaved except for a band of hair down the middle of the scalp
Mohawk
One of a tribe of Indians who formed part of the Five Nations. They formerly inhabited the valley of the Mohawk River.
Mohawk
One of certain ruffians who infested the streets of London in the time of Addison, and took the name from the Mohawk Indians.
Mohawk
A member of the Iroquoian people formerly living along the Mohawk River in New York state
Mohawk
The Iroquoian language spoken by the Mohawk people
Mohawk
A member of the Mohawk tribe.
She is a Mohawk by descent.
Common Curiosities
What is a Mohawk?
A Mohawk is a member of a Native American tribe from upstate New York or a distinct hairstyle.
Is "The Last of the Mohicans" about Mohicans?
It's a fictional story but involves the Mohican tribe.
Are Mohican and Mohawk the same?
No, they refer to different Native American tribes and contexts.
Is the Mohawk hairstyle from the Mohawk tribe?
The Mohawk hairstyle was inspired by the tribe but not traditionally worn by them.
Is Mohawk an active community?
Yes, the Mohawk community is politically active.
Is Mohican still spoken?
The Mohican language is nearly extinct.
Are Mohicans and Mohegans the same?
No, they are different tribes.
What is a Mohican?
A Mohican is a member of a Native American tribe from western Massachusetts.
Do Mohicans have a specific hairstyle?
No, there's no hairstyle specifically associated with Mohicans.
Are Mohawks related to the Iroquois?
Yes, they were part of the Iroquois Confederacy.
What language do Mohawks speak?
Mohawks speak the Mohawk language.
Are Mohican and Mohawk names interchangeable?
No, they are not interchangeable and refer to different tribes.
Is Mohican a language?
Yes, but it's nearly extinct.
Are Mohicans involved in politics?
Less so than the Mohawks.
Where can I learn about Mohawk culture?
Museums and cultural centers offer information on Mohawk culture.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
