Seven Clans of the Cherokee Society

by Marcelina Reed, William Taylor (Illustrator)

The Cherokees were a dynamic and highly organized nation that developed a complex social structure and had their own written language. Here is a brief look into the traditional Cherokee society of old that was structured around seven clans. Clan names are given in both Cherokee and English with descriptions of power animals, information on the matrilineal system, as well as a breakdown on how their social, political and spiritual infrastructure worked. Includes beautiful full-page color illustrations.

Genres: History, Native American, Reference

32 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1993

Reviews

[Cody Marie Phoenix · Rating 3 out of 5]

General description everyone else publishes.

The book didn't give any details of the seven clans, just the general description everyone else publishes. I have maternal grandmothers who came from the Wolf clan and the Long Hair Clan who married Scots-Irish traders but lived as "whites". Is was hoping for more information on the individual clans to learn about the ways of my grandmother's people.

[Janice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very short read, as it took less than an hour, but very informative. In addition to telling of the seven clans of Cherokee society, other facts of societal structure were explained, and the Matriarchal system for kinship, property ownership, etc, as also explored. Thanks for bringing this to my attention, Ruby.

[Jeffrey Philips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. Good insight into the Cherokee culture.

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty basic, but some good information.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have not been to Cherokee NC, though I love Western NC and the surrounding bioregion. This is the sort of booklet prepared for tourists there... presenting cultural categories and traditions with some lovely color illustrations.
Mildly recommended.

[Stephanie G. Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting, if simplistic. An okay primer, that is too male dominated for a culture that valued the work of women and their place prior to the arrival of europeans.