The Wahnenauhi Manuscript: Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Pt. 1
Remembered traditions of the Cherokee Nation, as recorded by a member of the Nation c. 1900.
Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Together With Some of Their Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions
Note: This article has been excerpted from a larger work in the public domain and shared here due to its historical value. It may contain outdated ideas and language that do not reflect TOTA’s opinions and beliefs.
From Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin 296, 1966, courtesy of the Biodiversity Heritage Library and originally published in 1889.
[This manuscript was created by Wahnenauhi, born Lucy Keys, at a time when the traditions of the Cherokee Nation were rapidly disappearing from public life. Her generously shared memories provide an invaluable record of the past.]
Fifty years ago, if someone had undertaken to write a History of the Cherokee Nation, he would have done so with some hope of success.
At that time Traditions were learned and remembered by those who regarded it worth while to preserve from oblivion the Origin and Customs of the Tribe. I know of only one person who attempted the task of preparing such a work. Major George Lowrey, who was, for many years, a prominent member of the nation, and well-versed in Cherokee Lore.
The Manuscript was written in the Cherokee Language, and is supposed to have been destroyed during the Civil War of the United States.
The following Sketches and Incidents are given as I remember to have heard them of older persons; and I trust they will be acceptable to those interested in Indian History.
When the English first came to America, a large tribe of Indians, calling themselves the Ke-too-wha, occupied the South Eastern portion of North America; The Country now comprizing the states of Virginia, Pennsylvania, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia.
Very little is known of them, only as Tradition comes to us.
They have always considered themselves the largest and most powerful Tribe on the Eastern side of the Continent, and have been so acknowledged by the other Tribes.
Holding this place of Supremacy made them self confident and independent. In disposition they were friendly and generous, though always reserved before strangers. Fearless in danger, intrepid and daring when occasion required, they were slow to take offence at fancied injuries or insults.
They were always on friendly terms with the Delawares, by whom they were called Ke-too-whah-kee. So highly were they esteemed that, at one time, a Ketoo-wha was chosen and served as Chief of the Delaware Tribe.
The Whites first met with these Indians in one of their towns, on the bank of a small stream, which they named Cherry Creek, from the number of Cherry trees which grew there; the people they called, the "Cherry Creek Indians." This name, by gradual variations, came to be Cherok, then Cherokee, as it now is. The Tribe, becoming familiar with their White Brothers, finally renounced their original name, Ke-too-wha, and adopted that of "Cherokee," by themselves pronounced "Dtsah-lah-gee."
There were several different Dialects used in the Language of the Cherokees.
In explaining the cause of this, we have recourse only to Tradition:
This tells us that in the "long time ago" there were several Tribes conquered and adopted or "naturalized" by the Ke-too-wha, they retained their own Idiom of Speech, or, used a brogue in trying to learn the Language of their Conquerers. This Story is the generally approved explanation of the difference in the Language of the Cherokees. One dialect is the "Pipestem," another the "Over-hill," in this the most noticable peculiarity is the prominent sound of “R” instead of "L," there being no "R" in the pure Cherokee.
The Cherokee Tribe was divided into seven Clans, or Families. There are some interesting facts in regard to the operation and influence of Clanship.
If any one was killed, either by accident, or with malicious intention, his death must be revenged by members of his own Clan.
When the murderer could not be found, a Substitute might be taken from his Clan. The Chief Town of the Nation was the only place of safty for the Slayer, should he succeed in reaching this Refuge, he must remain in it until after the Annual Green Corn Dance.
He was then at liberty to leave, his life being no longer in danger.
The marriage of persons belonging to the same Clan, and of the father's Clan was strictly forbidden; and also marriage was prohibited between relatives by blood. Capital punishment was the penalty for breaking this Law.
Clan-kin was held most sacred.
The mother was the Head of the Family, and the children were called by the name of her Clan. Affectionate regard for kindred was cherished; and old persons were treated with great respect and tenderly cared for. Persons, who had at any time especially distinguished themselves by deeds of Courage or Bravery were highly esteemed, we give an illustration—
Once, a town was surprised by a band of enemies, and the Chief killed: His wife, whose name was "Cuh-tah-la-tah," on seeing her husband fall, immediately snatched up his hatchet, shouting, "Hi-lu-ki! Hi-lu-ki!" (Kill! Kill!) rushed forward on the invaders, striking down all who opposed her.
Her bravery so inspired the discouraged warriors with fresh Courage that they hurried on to the fight and gained a complete victory. Many instances could be quoted, of brave deeds and victories won by Cherokee Patriots.
“Historical Sketches of the Cherokees, Together With Some of Their Customs, Traditions, and Superstitions.” Smithsonian Institution Bureau of American Ethnology, Bulletin 296, Anthropological Papers Numbers 75-80, 1966, pp. 175–214., https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/ia/bulletin1961966smit#page/5/mode/1up.
About TOTA
TOTA.world provides cultural information and sharing across the world to help you explore your Family’s Cultural History and create deep connections with the lives and cultures of your ancestors.
