Anigatogewi or
Wild Potato Clan - 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 Wild Potato Clan have also been known as the
Bear Clan,
Raccoon Clan and even
Blind Savannah in different regions. The Clan color for the
Anigatogewi is green and their wood is Birch.
Anigilo(la)hi or
Long Hair Clan - This Clan, also known as the
Twister Clan,
Hanging Down Clan, Offended Clan, or
Wind Clan.
Gilahi is short for an old in fact very old ancient
Gitlvgvnahita, the warrior women's society, meaning "something that grows from the back of the neck."
[1] Those belonging to this Clan wore their hair in elaborate hairdos, walked in a proud and vain manner twisting their shoulders. They are teachers and keepers of tradition. Peace chiefs usually came from this clan at one time in Cherokee history and wore a white feather robe. The Clan color for the
Anigilohi is yellow and their wood is Beech.
Anikawi or
Deer Clan — Those belonging to this Clan were the 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. The Clan Color for the
Anikawi is Brown and their wood is Oak.
Anitsiskwa or
Anijiqua or
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. Their color is purple, and their wood is Maple.
Anisahoni or
Blue Holly Clan — Those belonging to this clan were keepers of all children's medicines and caretakers of medicinal herb gardens. They became known for a medicine from a bluish colored plant called a blue holly, and were so named after it. This Clan has also been known as the
Panther or
Wild Cat Clan, in some regions. Their color is blue and their wood is Ash.
Aniwodi or
Red Paint Clan — Those belonging to this Clan made red paint. The tribe's medicine men,
Dida:hnvwi:sgi (healers) and
Adawehi (wise men), traditionally came from this clan at one time in Cherokee history. The Clan Color for the
Aniwodi is white and their wood is Locust.
Aniwaya or
Wolf Clan — The Wolf Clan is the largest clan today providing most of the war chiefs, and warriors. True
Ani'-Wah' Ya are protectors of the people. The wolf clan are keepers and trackers of the wolf and the only clan who could kill a wolf through special ceremonies and wolf medicines. The Clan color of the
Aniwaya is red and their wood is Hickory.