The Other Six Clans of the Cherokee People
The membership to the Cherokee clans is attained through the mother.
The women are considered as the head of the house, with the home and
the children belonging to her should she separate or lose her
husband. The knowledge of a person’s clan is very important for many
reasons. Historically and even today with Cherokee traditionalist,
it is forbidden to marry within the clan. Members within a clan are
considered as brothers and sisters.
Deer Clan
Members of this Clan were deer called the keepers of the deer
and members were the deer hunters, trackers, tanners and seamers.
Members of the clan were known as fast runners and foot
messengers as well as hunters and were also responsible for the
care of the animals that lived among the tribe. This Clan was
also known as a White Peace Clan.
Blue Clan
This Clan has also been called the Panther Clan or Wild Cat Clan in
various regions. People of the Blue Clan are the Keepers of the
makers of Children’s special medicine and the caretakers of
medicinal herb gardens. They were also known as a white
peace clan.
Twister Clan
This Clan is also known as the Long Hair Clan, the woman’s warrior
society. The Clan has also been called the Hanging Down Clan, Wind
Clan or Stranger Clan. It was said that members of this clan wore
their hair in elaborate styles. The members of the Long Hair Clan
are the traditional teachers and keepers of the traditions.
Bird Clan
This Clan was responsible for the keeping of the sacred birds and
feathers as well as the bird medicines. The belief is that the birds
are the messengers between the
people the Creator. The Creator gave the Clan the responsibility of
caring for the birds. The members of the Clan were often messengers.
Eagle members of this clan were the only ones who could hunt the
eagle and distribute the eagle feathers.
Paint Clan
Those who belonged to this Clan made red paint. Pain Clan members
were traditionally known as the medicine people. Medicine was often
“painted” on a patient after harvesting, mixing and performing the
healing ceremony. The red paint was also used for war
fair and painted on the warriors and their weapons. This Clan was
also known as a Red War Clan.
Wild Potato Clan
This Clan was also called, Bear Clan, Raccoon Clan and Blind
Savannah Clan. Members
of this Clan are known as the “Keepers of the Land.” They are the
farmers and gatherers and they were named after the wild potato
plants that they gathered in the swamps and along streams. This clan
was known as a White Peace Clan.
Wolf Clan
The Wolf Clan is the largest of the Cherokee clans today and the
most prominent.
The Wolf Clan has provided most of the history’s war chiefs and
warriors. Wolves are known as protectors of the people. Members of
the Wolf Clan are the trackers
and keepers of the wolves and members are the only ones who can kill
a wolf after performing sacred ceremonies. This Clan is known as a
Red War Clan.
