War Woman
Cherokee women
sometimes went to war and fought valiantly with their men.
They earned respect and honors from their clan and tribe.
As a Beloved Women, she had a lot of influence in tribal decisions
including the fate of captives. An example is Nancy Ward
who rallied the warriors to victory after her young husband was killed.
Red was the color of war, success and power (also the direction of East).
Black was the color of death (and the direction of West).
The War Chief (the Raven) wears his red
featherhead dress and leads the way.
The three war scouts were the Owl who went to the right,
the Wolf who went to the left,
and the Fox who doubled back and came in from behind.
The Cherokee warriors traveled through
the forest walking in single file
in the other's foot prints or by dug out canoe. They also rode horses
after the Spanish brought them to the Southeastern tribes.
The main reason for war was to avenge the death of a Cherokee;
and was the responsibility of his Clan.
The War Woman represents not only the strength and pride of
Cherokee women but of all women who have the courage to do
what they need to for survival of their home and family.
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