Cherokee Clans
The Cherokee clans are traditional social organizations of Cherokee society. They are hereditary and matrilineal: children and all property are considered to belong to the mother’s clan. “This simple division of the Cherokees formed the grand work by which marriages were regulated, and murder punished. A Cherokee could marry into any of the clans except two, that to which his father belongs, for all of that clan are his fathers and aunts and that to which his mother belongs, for all of that clan are his brothers and sisters, a child invariably inheriting the clan of his mother”. Elias Boudinot, The Cherokee Editor, February 18, 1829
“There are no natural boundaries to their clans; the subjects of different clans being mingled. Those of the same clan are considered as belonging to the same family. In fact this relationship seems to be as binding as the ties of consanguinity. An Indian can tell you without hesitating what degree of relationship exists between himself and any other individual of the same clan you may see proper to point out. A man and woman of the same clan are not allowed to become man and wife. This appearance of ancient custom is yet prevalent to some extent, and the disregard of it disgusting in the eyes of many.” ~ J.P. Evans, 1835
About our Clans:
Tsalagiyi Nvdagi is different than other Cherokee Tribes in our Clan names.
Were known to be farmers and gatherers of the wild 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 keepers and protectors of the earth. The Clan color for the Ani Gatogewi is Green and their wood is Birch. Historically, members of this clan were known to be ‘keepers of the land,’ and gatherers. The wild potato was a main staple of the older Cherokee life back east (Tsa-la-gi U-we-ti). Their flag is yellow with green stars. At some ceremonial grounds, the Wild Potato arbor is to the left of the Wolf arbor.
Notable Surnames:
B: Bad Water,
C: Clogoittah,
E: Eagle,
G: Golanv, Great Eagle, Grey Eagle,
K: Kitegista, Kituah,
M: Mankiller,
O: Oconostota, Oukah, Ounaconoa,
R: Raven of Hiawassee, Ridge,
S: Skalilosgenv, Susie,
T: Tuckahoe,
W: Wickett, Wilenawa