The Seven Clans

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The Seven Clans

The Cherokee society is historically a matrilineal society. Meaning clanship is attained through the mother. Prior to Oklahoma statehood, the women were considered the Head of Household, with the home and children belonging to her should she separate from a husband. The knowledge of a person's clan is important for many reasons. Historically, and still today among Cherokee traditionalists, it is forbidden to marry within your clan. Clan members are considered brother and sisters. In addition, when seeking spiritual guidance and Indian doctoring, it is necessary to name your clan. Seating at ceremonial stomp dances is by clan, as well.
During the hard times that befell our people, after the arrival of the Europeans, these clans were interrupted. Few today know their ancestral clan. Those that do live on the reservations are lucky enough to have had it passed down to them. Many though, do not know what clan they are from because records of these things were not kept or because their clan line was broken. Clanship was handed down through the women, if a Tslalagi man took a white woman as a wife, the clan line was broken and any descendents from that marriage have no clan. The Uganawvkalvgv Kituwah Ayeli is reinstating and reestablishing these clans. Through adoption ceremonies, the old Clans are being rebuilt. They exist once again. We feel that this is important because as traditional Tsalagi, if you have no clan, you are not Tsalagi, you would have no right to speak in Council, marry other Tsalagi, or take part in ceremonies. These re-established clans are patterned after the original ones and will be as strong and close knit as well.

Among the Tsalagi there exists seven clans or families. These clans are:

AniSahoni (Blue Clan) - Those belonging to this clan were keepers of all childrens medicines and caretakers of medicinal herb gardens. Historically, this clan produced many people who were able to make special medicines for the children. They became known for a medicine from a bluish colored plant called a "blue holly", and were so named after it. This Clan has also been known as the Panther or Wild Cat Clan, in some regions. They were known as a white (peace) clan. Their color is Blue and their wood is Ash.

AniGilohi (Twister Clan) - The Twister Clan has also been known as Long Hair (Note: AniGilahi - Gilahi is short for the ancient word, Gitlvgvnahita, the warrior womens society, meaning "something that grows from the back of the neck"), Hanging Down Clan, Wind Clan or Stranger Clan in various regions. Some say those belonging to this clan wore their hair in elaborate twisted and braided hairdos. More mportantly, they are teachers and keepers of tradition. Prisoners of war, orphans of other tribes, and others with no Cherokee tribe were often adopted into this clan, thus the name 'Strangers.' AniGilohi was a very peaceful clan, peace chiefs usually came from this clan at one time in our history. The Clan color for the AniGilohi is Yellow and their wood is Beech.

AniTsiskwa (Bird Clan) - Those belonging to this Clan were the keepers of the birds, sacred feathers and bird medicines. The belief that birds are messengers between the People and Creator, gave the members of this clan the responsibility of caring for the birds. They were messengers and were very skilled in using blowguns and snares for bird hunting. Eagle feathers earned by others were originally presented by the members of this clan, as they were the only ones able to collect them. Their color is Purple, and their wood is Maple.

AniWodi (Paint Clan) - Those belonging to this Clan made red paint. Members of the Paint Clan were historically known as a prominent medicine people. Medicine is often 'painted' on a patient after harvesting, mixing and performing other aspects of the ceremony. They were the smallest and most secretive clan. When the Cherokees would wage war, the Priest would bring along several sacred objects, medicinal herbs, and a coal from the Sacred Fire. They were the only ones that were allowed to make a special red paint and dye that are used for ceremonial purposes and warfare, because of this they were considered a red (war) clan. The Clan color for the AniWodi is White, and their wood is Locust.

AniKawi (Deer Clan) - Those belonging to this Clan were the keepers of the deer, deer hunters and trackers, tanners and seamers, as well as keepers of the deer medicines. Members of the Deer Clan were historically known as fast runners, foot messengers and hunters. Even though they hunted game for subsistence, they respected and cared for the animals while they were living amongst them. They were also known as messengers on an earthly level, delivering messenges from village to village, or person to person and were considered a white (peace) clan.
The Clan Color for the Ani Kawi is Brown and their wood is Oak.

AniGatogewi (Wild Potato Clan) - Historically, members of this clan were known to be 'keepers of the land', farmers and gatherers. They were named after the wild potato plants they gathered in the swamps (hence the name gatogewi = "swamp"), and along streams to make flour or bread for food. The Wild Potato Clan have also been known as the Bear Clan, Raccoon Clan and even "Blind Savannah" in different regions. They were a white (peace) clan. The Clan color for the AniGatogewi is Green and their wood is Birch.

AniWahya (Wolf Clan) - The Wolf Clan is the largest clan today and the most prominent clan, providing most of the war chiefs, and warriors. Wolves are known as protectors and true aniwahya are protectors of the people. The wolf clan are keepers and trackers of the wolf and the only clan who could kill a wolf through special ceremonies and wolf medicines. AniWahya were known as a red (war) clan. The Clan color of the AniWahya is Red and their wood is Hickory.[/center]

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