PAINT CLAN
CHIEF FREEDOMS DOVE
VICE CHIEF HEART OF A WILLOW
PAINT CLAN MEMBERS
BRAVE SPIRIT
FLOWING RIVER
SKIPPING STONE
SNOW OWL
WALKING BEAR WOMAN
YOUNG WARRIOR
Ani Wo-di is the clan of the Shaman (Di-da Ih-ne-se Is-gi), Sorcerers, Medicine Men, and Priests.
This is the smallest and most secretive clan.
They are the ‘Keepers of the Sacred Flame’ (Ka-ie-la At-si-la Hi-ne-yu) the soul of the Cherokees.
When the Cherokees wage war, the Priest brings along several sacred objects, medicinal herbs, and a coal from the Sacred Fire.
They are the only ones that are allowed to make a special red paint and dye that is used for warfare and ceremonial purposed.
The Clan color for the Ani-Wodi is White.
The Ani-Wodi keep magical or sacred crystals of ultra-pure quartz rods in a special pouch of otter or deer skin, tied around their necks.
The crystals are only used to determine guilt in very tough murder cases.
The Chief, the Priests the accused parties, and the victim’s family assemble in the tribal lodge.
The victim and his spokesman deliver their case which is rebutted by the accused.
The Chief acts as Judge, and there is no jury.
If the case cannot be settled quickly, the priest is called upon for a ‘judgment’ ceremony.
The group is kept in the main lodge overnight, arguing the merits of the case until dawn.
In the morning, before dawn, the Priest goes into the forest and prays for guidance.
He returns to the lodge before the sun rises and places the crystals in the open doorway facing the rising sun.
When the sun rays strike the crystals, they emit beams of light that travel from the roof down to the assembled participants.
The rays of light from the crystals will illuminate the face of the guilty party.
The person chosen by the crystals must leave the village and the territory by sundown.
This is the grace period allowed before the ‘hunt’ begins.
Then the Chief selects a member of the victim’s clan to claim revenge, to hunt down the murderer and kill him.