In the early 1800s, the Cherokees began a period of change. The Cherokees were eventually forced to sign over much of their land, first to the British and then to the United States. Desire for these items changed Cherokee life as they began to hunt animals, not just for food, but also for skins to trade.Īs the white population expanded, conflicts arose.

The Cherokee readily adopted the tools and weapons introduced by Europeans. Property was passed on according to clan alliance. Marriage was only allowed between members of different clans.

Women had an equal voice in the affairs of the tribe. Children took the clan of the mother, and kinship was traced through the mother's family. However, the Chiefs did not rule absolutely, decision making was a more democratic process, with tribal members having the opportunity to voice concerns.Īn 1888 photo of a Cherokee woman holding her child.Ĭherokee society was a matriarchy. Each tribe elected two chiefs-a Peace Chief who counseled during peaceful times and a War chief who made decisions during times of war. The council house was seven-sided to represent the seven clans of the Cherokee: Bird, Paint, Deer, Wolf, Blue, Long Hair, and Wild Potato. These were replaced in later years with log structures.Įach village had a council house where ceremonies and tribal meetings were held.

Homes were wooden frames covered with woven vines and saplings plastered with mud. The Cherokee lived in small communities, usually located in fertile river bottoms. By the time European explorers and traders arrived, Cherokee lands covered a large part of what is now the southeastern United States.

The Cherokee culture historically was based in hunting, trading, and agriculture. Their history and stories are shared at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, located in Cherokee, NC Museum of the Cherokee Indian | History, Culture & Stories in NC (mci.org) The Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians has a long and strong connection to the land of Southern Appalachia and what is currently known as Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

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