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Early Accounts of Cherokee Life in the East: A Historical Exploration

John Updike

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Published in Cherokee Voices: Early Accounts Of Cherokee Life In The East

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The Cherokee, one of the largest and most prominent Native American tribes in the Eastern Woodlands of North America, have a rich and complex history that spans centuries. Prior to European contact, the Cherokee lived in a vast territory that stretched across present-day Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Their culture and way of life were deeply intertwined with the natural world, and they possessed a sophisticated system of government, society, and beliefs.

Our understanding of early Cherokee life comes from a variety of sources, including historical documents, archaeological evidence, and oral traditions. These accounts, though fragmentary and often filtered through the lens of European observers, provide valuable insights into the Cherokee world before the arrival of colonizers.

Cherokee Voices: Early Accounts of Cherokee Life in the East

by Charles River Editors

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	430 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	177 pages

Historical Documents

One of the earliest written accounts of the Cherokee comes from the Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto, who encountered the tribe in 1540 during his expedition through the Southeast. De Soto's chroniclers described the Cherokee as a "well-formed people, of good stature, and warlike." They also noted the Cherokee's practice of agriculture, their use of bows and arrows, and their elaborate tattooing.

Other early European accounts of the Cherokee come from French traders and missionaries who visited the tribe in the 16th and 17th centuries. These accounts provide additional details about Cherokee life, including their political organization, their social customs, and their religious beliefs.

Archaeological Evidence

Archaeological excavations at Cherokee sites have yielded a wealth of information about their material culture. Cherokee villages were typically located near rivers and streams, and their houses were made of wood and thatch. They practiced agriculture, growing corn, beans, and squash, and they also hunted and fished. Cherokee pottery, stone tools, and other artifacts provide insights into their daily lives and their technological skills.

Oral Traditions

Cherokee oral traditions, passed down from generation to generation through stories, songs, and ceremonies, offer a unique perspective on their history and culture. These traditions provide insights into the Cherokee worldview, their creation myths, and their spiritual beliefs.

One of the most important Cherokee oral traditions is the story of the "Ani-Kutani," or the "Beloved Woman." The Beloved Woman was a respected female elder who played a central role in Cherokee society. She had the authority to call councils, declare war, and make peace. The Beloved Woman was also responsible for preserving the tribe's oral traditions and ensuring that its laws were upheld.

Cherokee Society and Government

The Cherokee had a complex and well-organized society. They lived in villages that were governed by a council of elders. The council was led by a chief, who was responsible for making decisions on behalf of the tribe. The chief was assisted by a group of advisors, who were chosen for their wisdom and experience.

Cherokee society was divided into two main classes: the common people and the elite. The elite class consisted of the chiefs, council members, and other respected elders. The common people made up the majority of the tribe and were responsible for farming, hunting, and other daily tasks.

Cherokee Beliefs and Religion

The Cherokee had a rich and complex religious system that was deeply connected to the natural world. They believed in a creator god called "Unetlanvhi," who was responsible for creating the world and everything in it. They also believed in a number of other spirits, including the spirits of animals, plants, and the elements.

Cherokee religious ceremonies were often performed by shamans, who were believed to have special powers to communicate with the spirit world. Shamans used a variety of techniques to heal the sick, predict the future, and control the weather.

The Impact of European Contact

The arrival of Europeans in the Eastern Woodlands had a profound impact on Cherokee life. European diseases, such as smallpox and measles, decimated the Cherokee population. European colonizers also encroached on Cherokee territory, forcing them to move west. By the end of the 18th century, the Cherokee had been forced to cede most of their land and had been relocated to reservations.

Despite the challenges they faced, the Cherokee have maintained their cultural identity and continue to practice their traditional ways. They have also made significant contributions to American society, including in the areas of art, music, and literature.

The early accounts of Cherokee life in the East provide a glimpse into a fascinating and vibrant culture. These accounts, though incomplete and often filtered through the lens of European observers, offer valuable insights into the Cherokee world before the arrival of colonizers. They reveal a society that was complex, well-organized, and deeply connected to the natural world.

The Cherokee have a rich and proud history, and their culture continues to thrive today. They are a resilient people who have faced many challenges but have never given up their identity. The early accounts of Cherokee life in the East are a testament to their strength and their enduring spirit.

Cherokee Voices: Early Accounts of Cherokee Life in the East

by Charles River Editors

4.8 out of 5