Indigenous People

Indigenous People. (Meaning) , Are the earliest known inhabitants of an area. , This area was frequented by many tribes but mainly the Aniyunwiya (ah nee yun wee yah), a name usually translated as "the Real People," sometimes "the Original People". This tribe which is also known as the original Cherokee Indians was made up of 7 clans (Bird, Deer, Long Hair, Paint, Wild Potato, Blue (Wild cat), and Wolf). They lived, gathered, and farmed in the area of Tennessee, Kentucky, bottom of West Virginia, west side of Virginia, west side of North Carolina, west side of South Carolina, north side of Georgia and north side of Alabama., The Aniyunwiya (Cherokee) were excellent natural agriculturers who grew Beans, Corn, and Squash (which is known as the 3 sisters). They also grew berries, nuts, sweet potatoes, melons, plums etc. and used many of these and herbs for medicine. They historically lived in (Wigwams) skillfully structured houses made of mud and clay with roofs of brush river cane also traditional homes made from logs, tree branches, etc., The Number 7 is sacred to the Aniyunwiya (Cherokee) as it represents the 7 clans as well the 7 sacred directions North, East, South, West, Upper World, Lower World, and the Center which represents our world and the fire within us., The Aniyunwiya (Cherokee) wore lots of jewelry including silver, copper, gold, turquoise, crystals, and shells for fashionable and healing purposes. The men wore a traditional Head turban similar to the people in East India and Middle East, shirts, pants and moccasins made from woven cotton and animal skin. The women wore dresses, skirts, and moccasins as well made from woven cotton, animal skin and plant material which they also made fashionable baskets for everyday needs to carry items etc.