The Cherokee culture is a rich and diverse tapestry of customs, tales, values, and artifacts that comprises one of the most distinct Native American identities in the United States. As one of the five civilized tribes, the Cherokee have a long and storied history that spans thousands of years. Their cultural heritage and traditions have given us a detailed glimpse into the lives of these original Americans and provided a basis for exploring the complexities of Native American life and identity.
History of the Cherokee
Before the arrival of European settlers in the New World, the Cherokee were an established and thriving civilization nestled in the southeastern United States. Mostly settled in the areas we now know as North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama, the Cherokee civilization was divided into western and eastern bands, primarily dictated by geographical landscape [^1^].
[^1^]: Perdue, Theda, and Michael D. Green. “The Cherokee.” North Carolina Office of Archives and History, 2005.
This bountiful and diverse land and their ability to adapt to the environment shaped much of Cherokee culture, from their art and crafts, food, ceremonies, medicine, and more. Cherokee society was historically matrilineal, meaning that lineage and inheritance were traced through the mother’s line. The Cherokee people lived in villages, each of which was governed by two chiefs. One chief, known as the “white” chief, was responsible for diplomatic and societal concerns, and the other, or the “red” chief, was responsible for issues of war.
Language
One of the most characteristic features of the Cherokee culture is its language. The Cherokee language, a member of the Iroquoian language family, is unique among Native American languages for its complexity and tonality. The written form of the language, the Cherokee syllabary, was developed by Sequoyah in the early 19th century.
The syllabary—a set of written characters representing each of the unique syllables in the language—replaced a previous system of logograms, or pictographic symbols, and represents the first written language developed by a Native American tribe. Unlike an alphabet, which represents individual sounds or phonemes, a syllabary represents entire syllables or morphemes—the smallest unit of meaning.
Despite pressures from colonial influences and modern assimilation, a portion of the Cherokee community still speaks the Cherokee language today, and efforts to preserve and proliferate the language are ongoing.
Mythology, Legends, and Folklore
The Cherokee people had a rich oral tradition, passing down stories, morality tales, and histories from generation to generation. These tales, steeped in allegory, provide insight into the intricate world view of the Cherokee and serve as a vivid explanation of the supernatural aspects of the natural world.
Many Cherokee legends seek to explain phenomena in nature. For example, the story of Kanati and Selu details how game animals and corn came into existence. Other tales, such as those dealing with the mischievous character Jistu, are morality tales warning against greed, vanity, and other vices. The telling of these stories continues to be a cherished aspect of Cherokee culture.
Art and Crafts
The Cherokee developed a highly symbolic art tradition with pieces often reflecting elements of their mythology, societal values, and spiritual beliefs. Basket weaving, pottery, jewelry-making, and leatherworking were among the many crafts the Cherokee practiced. Intricate geometric patterns and symbols made up much of the decorative aspects of their crafts, often telling a story or representing a cultural ideal.
Clay pottery, in particular, was a specialty of Cherokee artisans. The pottery traditionally featured complex carvings and was used for a variety of purposes, from cooking to ceremonial feats. Today, Cherokee pottery is highly prized by collectors and continues to be produced by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians [^2^].
[^2^]: Finger, John R. “Cherokee Pottery.” North Carolina Encyclopedia.
Conclusion
The Cherokee culture is a rich mosaic of customs, practices, stories, and artifacts that have withstood the devastating impacts of colonialism and modern assimilation pressures. Continuing efforts to preserve and celebrate this culture are important in ensuring its legacy is carried forward to future generations.
Having a deeper understanding of the Cherokee culture can help us appreciate the depth and breadth of Native American culture as a whole and foster a deeper respect for indigenous cultures worldwide. Their resilience, creativity, and profound respect for the natural world endure in their art, their storytelling, their languages, and their belief systems, serving as an invaluable testament to the vibrancy and richness of Native American history and heritage.