Cherokee Society - The Seven Cherokee Clans

The Seven Cherokee Clans

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.