| Among the Tsalagi there are 7 clans. Each with its precific dutie or jobs dealing with religion. They are: AniSahoni (Blue Clan): Those belonging to this clan were keepers of all childrens medicines and caretakers of medicinal herb gardens. They became known for a medicine from a bluish colored plant called the blue holly, and were so named after it. This Clan has also been known as the Panther or Wild Cat Clan. They were also known as a white (Peace) clan. Their color is of course Blue and their wood is the Ash. AniGilohi (Twister Clan): The Twister Clan have also been known as Long Hair(AniGilahi), Hanging Down Clan or Wind Clan in various regions. Gilahi is short for the ancient word, Gitlvgvnahita, the warrior womens society, meaning "Something that grows from the back of the neck". Some say those belonging to this clan wore their hair in elaborate twisted and braided hairdos. More importantly, they are teachers and keepers of tradition. Peace chiefs usually come from this clan at one time in our history and wore a white feather robe. The Clan color is Yellow and their wood is the Beech. AniTsiskwa (Bird Clan): Those belonging to this Clan were the keepers of the birds, sacred feathers and bird medicines. They were messengers and were very skilled in using blowguns and snares for bird hunting. The Anitsiskwa was known as a warrior clan. Their color was Purple and their wood is Maple. AniWodi (Paint Clan): Those belonging to this Clan made red paint. The tribe's medicine men, Dida:hnvwi:sgi (Healers) and Adawehi (wisemen), traditionally came form this clan one time in our history. Aniwodi was known as a warrior clan. The clan color is White and their wood is the Locust. AniKawi (Deer Clan): Those eblonging to this Clan were keepers of the deer, deer hunters and trackers, tanners and seamers, as well as keepers of the deer medicines. They were known to be fast runners and foot messengers. AniKawi was known as a white (Peace) clan. The clan color is Brown and their wood is the Oak. AniGatogewi (Wild Potato Clan): Were known to be the farmers and gatherers of the wold potato plants in swamps (Hence the name gatogewi=Swamp), along streams, and swamps to make flour or bread for food, and were so named after them. They are the keepers and protectors of the earth. The Wild Potato Clan have also been known as Bear Clan, Raccoon Clan and even "Blind Savannah" in different regions. Also known as a peace clan. And the Clan color was Green and their wood was the Birch. AniWaya (Wolf Clan): The Wolf Clan is the largest clan today, I am even from this clan. It is the most prominent clan, it provides the War Chiefs, and warriors. True Aniwaya are protectors of the people. The Wolf Clan are keepers and trackers of the Wolf and only clan who can kill the wolf through special ceremonies and Wolf Medicines. AniWaya was known as a warrior clan. The clan color is Red and their wood is the Hickory. |
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