The Seven Clans are: Wolf Clan (Ani-Wahya) , Panther Clan (Ani-Sahoni), Long Hair Clan (Ani-Gilohi), Bird Clan (Ani-Tsisqua), Deer Clan (Ani-Kawi), Bear Clan (Ani-Gatogewi), Paint Clan (Ani Wo-di)

The Wolf Clan is the largest clan and the most prominent clan, providing most of the war chiefs. The wolf clan are keepers of the wolf and the only clan who could kill a wolf.

The Clan color of the Ani-Wahya is Red.

The Blue or Panther Clan made blue medicine from a special blue plant to keep our children well. The were also known as the Wildcat Clan.

The Clan color for the Ani-Sahoni is Blue.

The Long Hair Clan are also known as Twister Clan, Hair Hanging Down Clan or Wind Clan. Those belonging to this Clan wore their hair in elaborate hairdos, walked in a proud and vain manner twisting their shoulders. Peace chiefs are usually from this clan and wore a white feather robe.

The Clan color for the Ani-Gilohi is Yellow.

The Bird Clan are the keepers of the birds and they are our messengers. This clan was skilled in using blowguns and snares for bird hunting.

The Clan color for the Ani-Tsisqua is Purple.

The Deer Clan are the keepers and hunters of the Deer, and are known as fast runners.

The Clan color for the Ani-Kawi is Brown.

The Wild Potato Clan are also known as the Bear Clan, Raccoon Clan or Blind Savannah Clan. They were known to gather the wild potato plants in swamps along streams to make flour or bread for food.

The Clan color for the Ani-Gatogewi is Green.

Paint Clan - War Paint Clan - Ani Wo-di is the clan of the Shaman (Di-da Ih-ne-se Is-gi), Sorcerers, Medicine Men, and Priests. This is the smallest and most secretive clan. They are the ‘Keepers of the Sacred Flame�?(Ka-ie-la At-si-la Hi-ne-yu) the soul of the Cherokees. When the Cherokees wage war, the Priest brings along several sacred objects, medicinal herbs, and a coal from the Sacred Fire. They are the only ones that are allowed to make a special red paint and dye that are used for warfare and ceremonial purposed.

The Clan color for the Ani-Wodi is White.

The Ani-Wodi keep magical or sacred crystals of ultra-pure quartz rods in a special pouch of otter or deer skin, tied around their necks. The crystals are only used to determine guilt in very tough murder cases. The Chief, the Priests the accused parties, and the victim’s family assemble in the tribal lodge. The victim and his spokesman deliver their case which is rebutted by the accused. The Chief acts as Judge, and there is no jury. If the case cannot be settled quickly, the priest is called upon for a ‘judgment�?ceremony. The group is kept in the main lodge overnight, arguing the merits of the case until dawn. In the morning, before dawn, the Priest goes into the forest and prays for guidance. He returns to the lodge before the sun rises and places the crystals in the open doorway facing the rising sun. When the sun rays strike the crystals, they emit beams of light that travel from the roof down to the assembled participants. The rays of light from the crystals will illuminate the face of the guilty party. The person chosen by the crystals must leave the village and the territory by sundown. This is the grace period allowed before the ‘hunt�?begins. Then the Chief selects a member of the victim’s clan to claim revenge, to hunt down the murderer and kill him.