Native American Tribes Vs

Modernization

Thalia Tran
 Material Culture of Cherokees
1. Basketry - The Cherokee people are known for their intricate basket weaving
techniques. They use natural materials such as river cane, oak, and hickory bark
to create baskets of different shapes and sizes. These baskets were used for
storage, carrying goods and even as baby carriers.
2. Pottery - Cherokee pottery is characterized by its intricate designs and use of
natural dyes. The pottery was used for cooking, storing food, and even as
decorative items.
3. Beadwork - The Cherokee people were skilled at beadwork, and they used it to
decorate clothing, moccasins, and other items. The beadwork often incorporated
traditional designs and patterns.
4. Weaponry - The Cherokee people were skilled hunters and warriors. They
crafted their own weapons, including bows and arrows, tomahawks, and knives.
These weapons were used for hunting and self-defense.
5. Clothing - The Cherokee people made their clothing from natural materials such
as animal hides and woven fibers. They decorated their clothing with beadwork
and intricate designs. The clothing was practical and comfortable, suited for the
hot and humid climate of the Southeastern United States.
 Non-Material Culture of Cherokee

1. Storytelling: The Cherokee people have a rich oral tradition that has
been passed down from generation to generation. Through
storytelling, they share their history, traditions, beliefs, and values.
2. Music: Music is an important part of Cherokee culture, and they have
a variety of traditional songs and dances. Many of their songs tell
stories and celebrate nature.
3. Language: The Cherokee language is an integral part of their culture.
They have a unique writing system, and efforts are being made to
preserve and promote the language.
4. Beliefs: The Cherokee people have a deep spiritual connection to the
natural world. They believe that everything is interconnected and that
all living things have a spirit.
5. Art: Cherokee art is often inspired by nature and has deep symbolic
meaning. They use a variety of mediums, including pottery, basket
weaving, and beadwork, to create beautiful and meaningful
pieces.The Native American Cherokee culture is rich in both material
and non-material aspects.
The Cherokees, a Native American tribe, had a complex social structure that included various roles and statuses. At
the top of the hierarchy were the chiefs, who were responsible for making important decisions and leading the tribe.
Chiefs were chosen based on their leadership skills, wisdom, and bravery in battle. Below the chiefs were the councilors,
who were responsible for advising the chiefs on important matters. Councilors were chosen based on their knowledge,
experience, and reputation within the tribe. Within the Cherokee community, there were also various clans, each with its
own set of leaders and members. Clan leaders were responsible for ensuring that their members were taken care of and
that the clan's traditions and customs were upheld. In addition to these roles, the Cherokee society also had various
levels of status. Status was determined by a person's achievements, wealth, and reputation within the community. Those
with higher status were often given more privileges and were considered more important to the tribe.
Five Values and Beliefs within the Cherokee Tribe. First, Respect for Elders: Cherokee culture places a high value

on the wisdom and experience of elders. Younger members of the tribe are expected to show deference and respect to their elders, and to
seek their guidance and advice. Second is their connection to the Natural World: The Cherokee people have a deep reverence for the natural
world, and believe that all living things are interconnected. They have a strong connection to the land, and believe that it is their
responsibility to care for it and protect it for future generations. Third is community: The Cherokee people place a high value on community
and the collective good. They believe that everyone has a role to play in the community, and that everyone should work together to support
one another. Fourth is spirituality: Cherokee spirituality is a complex and deeply ingrained part of their culture. They believe in a wide range
of spiritual beings and forces, and have a deep respect for the power of the natural world. Last but not least, dducation: Education is highly
valued in Cherokee culture, and is seen as a key to success and prosperity. The Cherokee Nation has a strong commitment to providing
educational opportunities for its members, and encourages lifelong learning and personal growth.
The Cherokees have a rich history and culture that dates back
centuries. However, when they came into contact with other societies
and cultures, they experienced culture shock. This is a natural
response to being exposed to new customs, beliefs, and ways of life.
One example of culture shock for the Cherokees was when they
were forced to relocate to Indian Territory in the 1830s. This relocation,
known as the Trail of Tears, was a traumatic experience that resulted in
the loss of many Cherokee lives. The Cherokees were forced to leave
behind their homes, land, and way of life, which was a significant shock
to their culture. Another example of culture shock for the Cherokees
was when they encountered Europeans for the first time. The
Europeans had different customs, beliefs, and technologies that were
unfamiliar to the Cherokees. This encounter led to a clash of cultures
and resulted in the displacement and oppression of Indigenous
peoples. Despite these challenges, the Cherokees have adapted and
continue to maintain their cultural heritage today. They have preserved
their language, traditions, and customs through storytelling, art, and
music. The Cherokees have also embraced new cultures and integrated
them into their own, creating a unique blend of traditions and beliefs.
The Cherokees have a long history of
absorbing and adapting to other cultural
systems. From the colonial period to the
present day, the Cherokee Nation has
interacted with a variety of cultures,
including European, African, and other
Native American groups.
One of the most significant ways in which
the Cherokees have diffused other cultural
systems into their own is through
language. The Cherokee language has a
unique grammatical structure and
vocabulary, but it also incorporates words
and phrases from other languages. For
example, the Cherokee word for "horse" is
"saga," which comes from the Spanish
word "caballo."
Another way in which the Cherokees have diffused
other cultural systems is through religion. The
traditional Cherokee religion includes a belief in a
Creator, spirits, and ancestors, but it has also been
influenced by Christianity and other religions. Today,
many Cherokees practice a blend of traditional and
Christian beliefs.
The Cherokees have also incorporated elements of
other cultures into their art and music. For example,
the traditional Cherokee flute is similar in design to
flutes used by other Native American groups, but it
has a distinct sound and style that reflects Cherokee
culture.
Overall, the Cherokees have a rich history of diffusing
other cultural systems into their own, which has
helped to shape their unique identity and culture.
 Well, what have
we learned?
We’ve gone through the Cherokees, and
their material cultures, non-material
cultures, values, norms, roles, beliefs, and
cultural shock they’ve experienced. Yet
even so, through it all, they’ve prevailed.
There are still 819,000 people to have
identified with having Cherokee ancestry
in the United States. Native American
tribes and culture will never die.