The Cherokee Nation, one of the five Civilized Tribes of the Southeastern United States, is deeply rooted in its diverse culture embodying an extensive history, vibrant art, complex language, distinct spirituality, and complex politics. For centuries, this ethnic group has maintained its identity despite a multitude of obstacles and transformations. The core Cherokee culture is known for its resilience, adaptability, and inherent ability to keep its unique traditions alive.
The Seeds of Cherokee Culture
Historically, the Cherokee have been eastern woodland hunters, gatherers, and farmers residing in the southeastern region of the United States, covering modern-day regions of Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and South Carolina[^1^]. In the 16th century, the Cherokee people lived in towns, each having a council house or town house, where communal activities, including planning for war, peace treaties, and celebrations, were held[^1^].
The Cherokee people used a matrilineal structure, lineage and heritage being traced through the mother’s side. They were divided into seven clans, which crossed village and town boundaries. These clans were the Wolf, Long Hair, Bird, Paint, Deer, Blue, and Wild Potato clans[^1^].
Language: A Unique Trait of the Cherokee Culture
The Cherokee language, a member of the Southern Iroquoian language family, is integral to the Cherokee culture. Contrasting the English alphabetic system, the Cherokee language uses a syllabary—a set of written symbols representing syllables—for written communication[^2^].
Sequoyah, a Cherokee silversmith, realized the significance of a written language system for maintaining the tribe’s cultural heritage. As a result, he developed the Cherokee syllabary in the 1820s[^2^]. It includes 85 characters representing all sounds in the Cherokee language and is a vital tool for cultural preservation.
Cherokee Spirituality and Ceremonies
Spirituality and religion are intertwined in Cherokee culture, with a belief system focused on harmony, balance, and respect for all living things[^1^]. The Cherokee recognize a myriad of spirits and supernatural beings and believe in the power of ancestral spirits.
Cherokees celebrated ceremonial dances and rites to mark significant life events and seasonal cycles. They have a tradition of the Green Corn Ceremony, a renewal ceremony held during the time of the corn harvest, usually around late summer or early fall.
Art and Craftsmanship in Cherokee Culture
Vibrant art is another cornerstone of Cherokee culture. They are acclaimed for their basket weaving, pottery, beadwork, and carving. Cherokee basket weaving is a traditional art form passed down through generations[^1^]. River cane, white oak, and hickory bark were traditionally used for weaving baskets, while pottery was made from river clay.
Cherokee beadwork is another lifelong craft, with beads made from shells or even bird bones. Intricate beadwork patterns embellish the traditional Cherokee clothing, moccasins, and ceremonial items[^1^].
Contemporary Cherokee Culture
Presently, Cherokee people are known for their adaptability and tenacity in preserving their culture. They conduct cultural classes, workshops, and cultural days to pass on traditions and cultural knowledge. Although many historical events posed challenges to the Cherokee people’s culture, including forced removal during the Trail of Tears, they continue to strive to keep their legacy alive.
Today, their commitment to cultural preservation is exhibited in initiatives anchored in revitalizing the Cherokee language, celebrating traditional arts and crafts, and tacitly endorsing Cherokee history through the education system.
The Cherokee people are more than just a Native American tribe. They are a community bound by resilience, bound by a unique culture that has seen the trials of time and yet continues to flourish. Their legacy is a testament to their enduring spirit and commitment to their heritage, a testament rightly deserving of recognition and appreciation.
Sources
[^1^]: Appalachian State University. (n.d.). Cherokee Culture. In North Carolina History Project. Retrieved from http://northcarolinahistory.org/encyclopedia/cherokee-culture/
[^2^]: Burnett, R. (2002). The Cherokee Syllabary. In Writing System of the Cherokees. Retrieved from https://www.yale.edu/cherokee/Teachers’%20Guide%20PDFs/The%20Cherokee%20Syllabary.pdf