Clans
As was common in Native American tribes, the Cherokee tribe was divided into clans. There were seven total clans and they each had their own purpose and characteristics. The clans were the Deer, Wolf, Wild Potatoes, Paint, Bird, Long Hair and Blue clan. Although each clan was separate, they all worked together to create the unified whole of the Cherokee Tribe. They are further discussed below.
Deer Clan (a-ni-a-wi)
1. Known to be fast runners and hunters
2. Respected and cared for the animals
3. Messengers on earthly level (village to village)
2. Respected and cared for the animals
3. Messengers on earthly level (village to village)
Wolf Clan (a-ni-wa-ya)
1. The largest clan
2. War chiefs chosen from this clan
3. Protectors of the tribe
4. Only clan who could kill wolves
5. Sometimes raised wolves as dogs
2. War chiefs chosen from this clan
3. Protectors of the tribe
4. Only clan who could kill wolves
5. Sometimes raised wolves as dogs
Wild Potato Clan (a-ni-go-te-ge-wi)
1. Historically known as keepers of the land
2. Farmers and gatherers
3. Wild potatoes are a Cherokee staple
4. Responsible for harvesting food
5. Sometimes called the Bear Clan
2. Farmers and gatherers
3. Wild potatoes are a Cherokee staple
4. Responsible for harvesting food
5. Sometimes called the Bear Clan
Paint Clan (a-ni-wo-di)
1. Prominent medicine people or healers
2. Cherokees believed that this clan had magical powers
3. Make red paint for war, sacred ceremonies, and costumes
4. Keeper of the Sacred Fire
2. Cherokees believed that this clan had magical powers
3. Make red paint for war, sacred ceremonies, and costumes
4. Keeper of the Sacred Fire
Bird Clan (a-ni-tsi-s-qua)
1. Messengers
2. Responsible for caring for the birds who were believed to be the messengers of the Creator.
3. Only clan allowed to collect feathers
2. Responsible for caring for the birds who were believed to be the messengers of the Creator.
3. Only clan allowed to collect feathers
Long Hair Clan (a-ni-gi-lo-hi)
1. Known as a peaceful clan
2. The Peace Chief would be chosen from this clan
3. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes and people without Cherokee descent were adopted into this clan
2. The Peace Chief would be chosen from this clan
3. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes and people without Cherokee descent were adopted into this clan
Blue Clan (a-ni-sa-ho-ni)
1. Also known as the Blue Holly Clan
2. Made special medicines for children
3. Represented the sky
4. Taught the importance of balancing power, truth, strength and grace.
2. Made special medicines for children
3. Represented the sky
4. Taught the importance of balancing power, truth, strength and grace.