Cherokee society

Ancient Cherokee or Ah-ni-yv-wi-ya society was traditionally grouped around a social organization of seven clans. These were:

• Blue (also Panther or Wild Cat) Clan (ᎠᏂᏌᎰᏂ (a-ni-sa-ho-ni) in Cherokee) made a medicine from a bluish colored plant called the Cherokee black drink for purification ceremonies.
• Long Hair (also Twister, Hair Hanging Down, or Wind) Clan (ᎠᏂᎩᎶᎯ (ah-ni-gi-lo-hi) in Cherokee) wore their hair in elaborate hairdos, walked in a proud and vain manner twisting their shoulders. The Peace Chief was usually from this clan.
• Bird Clan (ᎠᏂᏥᏍᏆ (a-ni-tsi-s-qua) in Cherokee) were the keepers of the birds, skilled in using blowguns and snares for bird hunting.
• Paint Clan (ᎠᏂᏬᏗ (a-ni-wo-di) in Cherokee) made red paint and gathered the sacred colors used in the ceremonies.
• Deer Clan (ᎠᏂᎠᏫ (a-ni-a-wi) in Cherokee) were the keepers of the deer and were known as fast runners and deer hunters.
• Wild Potato (also Bear, Raccoon, or Blind Savannah) Clan (ᎠᏂᎦᏙᎨᏫ (a-ni-ga-do-ge-wi) in Cherokee) gathered the wild potato in swamps along streams for food.
• Wolf Clan (ᎠᏂᏩᏯ (a-ni-wa-ya) in Cherokee) was the largest and most prominent clan providing most of the tribe's war chiefs. They were keepers of the wolf and the only clan who could kill a wolf.

The number "seven" was sacred to the Cherokee from ancient times. It represented the seven levels of spiritual attainment and the seven levels of material manifestation in the world of the Cherokee. It also represented the seven levels of the universe in Cherokee spiritual beliefs. The Cherokee had a matrilineal society, a social system in which their descent was traced strictly through their mother's side of the family. The most important man in the life of any Cherokee child was their mother's brother. Discipline and instruction in hunting and warfare rested not with the child's father, but with his maternal uncle.

The clan provided many important functions including care for orphans and the destitute, and hospitality for visiting clan members from other towns. This practice was referred to as Gadugi in ancient times.

The blood revenge custom, an ancient Ah-ni-ku-ta-ni belief, was usually carried out by an older male of the victim's clan if it could not be undertaken by his oldest brother. The Cherokee believed that balance had to be restored in order to preserve the balance of forces between the two worlds, the spirit world, and the world of physical reality. Blood revenge was to free the soul of the victim and to let it pass from this world to the next. (It was the practice to avenge the victim by taking the life of the murderer himself, however, a close relative of the murderer would satisfy the revenge.) The Ancient Law of Blood Revenge was abolished by the Cherokee National Government on September 11, 1808. This act of abolishment was seen to have advanced the Cherokees in civilization, and it was universally accepted by the Cherokee People.

The Council House was seven-sided and provided seven sections of seats within, giving each clan a section for its representatives within the governmental structure. The seven sections of seats surrounded the sacred fire.

Rivercane basket with Noon-day Sun pattern, by Peggy Brennan (Cherokee Nation)

Each village of the Cherokees had two governmental units: a white and red government. During times of peace the white government had complete control of all affairs dealing with the village. This government consisted of older and wiser men and women who would not make foolish decisions. In times of war all duties fell on the red government which consisted of younger men who would do well in battle. There was also a Medicine Chief who would break the tie during voting when the Red Chief and White Chief could not agree on an issue.

The father of a Cherokee and the ranking grandmother of the father's clan had the right in traditional Cherokee society to name any children born of a Cherokee marriage. The ceremony was typically performed within seven days of birth and the child was taken to a running body of water, and the seven places ceremonially washed with water.

A booger mask made of gourd.

The Cherokee used masks in numerous dances. One such dance, known as "The Booger Dance", was usually performed in the late fall or winter. The Booger masks were made to represent the faces of Indian tribes who were the enemies of the Cherokee. After the arrival of Europeans, Booger Masks were made featuring large eyebrows, mustaches, beards, and bald heads, similar to the appearance of Europeans.

A bearded Cherokee mask made of animal skin.

The Booger Masks were made from large gourds, hornets nests, buckeye, or poplar wood. Booger Masks have been mass-produced and sold to tourists in Cherokee, North Carolina.

The Bear Dance, Beaver Dance, and Forest Buffalo Dances also employed masks. Buffalo masks were typically fashioned from Buckeye wood. Both Bear and Beaver masks were made from the fur hides of each animal and were worn loosely or sewn.

• Cherokee mythology
• Green Corn Ceremony
• Unto These Hills
• Ani-kutani
• Stomp Dance
• Wild onion festival

• Garrett, J.T. and Michael Tlansusta. The Cherokee Full Circle. Bear & Company. ISBN 1-879181-95-9.
• Reed, Marcelina. Seven Clans of the Cherokee Society. Cherokee Publications. First Edition, ISBN 0-935741-17-8.

• Official Site of the Cherokee Nation
• [indians.org Official site for American Indian information]