Cherokee in Swain County, North Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)
Paint Clan
Ani-Wodi
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2019
1. Paint Clan Marker
Wodi refers to the paint made from red ochre. In the legend of monster Stoneman, a lump of this paint remained when the monster burned up. When the medicine man painted people with it, their wishes came true: to be a great hunter, or warrior, or attractive to others.
Clan Facts: When the Cherokee National Council met at Broomtown in 1808, they abolished the system of clan revenge for murders, giving the responsibility to the tribal government. They also ruled that children could inherit property from their fathers, not just their mothers. This decision transferred some of the power originally held by the clans to the tribal government.
(Cherokee language translation)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1808.
Location. 35° 29.094′ N, 83° 18.941′ W. Marker is unreadable. Marker is in Cherokee, North Carolina, in Swain County. It is at the intersection of Tsali Boulevard (U.S. 441) and Drama Road, on the right when traveling south on Tsali Boulevard. The marker stands beside the sidewalk
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in North Carolina’s Mountains and specifically in the Great Smoky Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Upper South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, one of the original Thirteen Colonies, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location: Museum of the Cherokee Indian (within shouting distance of this marker); Sequoyah (within shouting distance of this marker); Trail of Tears (within shouting distance of this marker); Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Inc. (within shouting distance of this marker); Deer Clan
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, October 6, 2019
2. Paint Clan Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Cherokee Clans
Also see . . . Aniwodi (Red Paint Clan). The people of the Red Paint Clan, or Paint Clan, were also known as the "Corn People." Members of this clan made red paint. This clan is the smallest and most secretive of the groups. Their responsibilities include teaching the knowledge of life, birth, death and regeneration. They also teach of things kept hidden, second sight and illusion, including the ceremonies, rituals and tools needed for these aspects of Cherokee life. They were the only ones allowed to make a special red paint and dye, used for ceremonial purposes and warfare. This clan is known for their prominent Medicine People and Conjurors. (Submitted on May 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Photographed by Mark Parker, June 19, 2026
3. The Paint Clan Marker has experienced severe weather damage
Credits. This page was last revised on July 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 6,254 times since then and 410 times this year. Last updated on July 6, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. 3. submitted on July 6, 2026, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. Transcription of the Cherokee script • Can you help?
