The seven clans of the Cherokee nation are not separated by boundaries, but by their purpose in Cherokee society. The division of these clans was important to the functionality and peace of the Cherokee people.
Anigatogewi: Wild Potato Clan
As the food gatherers, this clan had a deep understanding of how to find natural food sources in every environment; the forest, swamps, and along the water. Their name was earned because of their impeccable skill in digging the tubers of wild potato plants, which were then used to make flour. With a nurturing nature, these members were the rightful protectors of the earth.
Aniwodi: Paint Clan
Members of the Paint Clan were the crafters behind the red paint used in war and were known as the medicine people. These healers and sorcerers made up the smallest Clan of the Cherokee nation and were naturalists who respected all forces of life and death.
Aniwahya: Wolf Clan
This clan is largely composed of strong warriors and war chiefs and is the most prominent of the Cherokee clans. Members of this prestigious clan were responsible for teaching others about security and protection since the wolf is known as a protector. They were independent people but we’re always connected by loyalty to their “wolf pack.”
Anisahoni: Blue Clan
The Blue Clan were also known for the medicinal efforts that they desired from the Blue Holly plant, as well as keeping the children of the village healthy. They were eventually revered in the Cherokee nation as highly valuable members for their skills in creating this special medicine.
Anigilohi: Long Hair Clan
These Cherokee people were known for their beautiful long hair, which they would wear in various styles and display proudly. Also known as the Twister Clan, these members held the responsibility of teaching tradition and it was common in Cherokee history that the Peace Chief was chosen from this Clan.
Ani Tsiskwa: Bird Clan
Known as the messengers of the Cherokee nation, the Bird Clan were the keepers of the birds and bird medicines. They were the interpreters of dreams and messages as well as the teachers of observation and the pattern of life. Equipped with excellent bird-hunting skills, the Bird Clan collected the sacred feathers that made up the warbonnets of brave warriors.
Anikawi: Deer Clan
Comprised of the fastest runners and finest hunters in the Cherokee nation, the Deer Clan were the keepers of the deer and were the foot messengers. Acting as guardians to the deer of the forest, members were responsible for ensuring that a deer killed by a hunter was given the gratitude it deserved for feeding a village family.
At Kachina House, we have a large collection of Cherokee artifacts and art pieces available to browse online or at our shop at 2920 Hopi Drive in Sedona!
Can one have all these attributes as if they were touched by God to keep this knowledge?
My Grandma said that my gifts are because Im touched by the Gods of old.
She passed on when I was 12.
My Grandmother was my all.
The teacher and mentor of my gifts.
Indeed Angelicque….you can surely have all the gifts…..use them well. Your grandmother, and the spirits know why you were chosen to receive those gifts.
Isn’t that a Plains Indian Headdress?
Hi Mike, if you look up Plain war bonnets as well as Cherokee war bonnets you will see that the Cherokee, in one of their traditional styles wore the bonnet with the feathers back just like in the painting. In other Plains styles, they wore the feathers in the way you saw in the movies….much like the way they are displayed on our website.