text: what are the 7 tribes of the cherokee nation?   the seven cherokee clans ah-ni-ga-to-ge-wi or wild potato clan - were known to be farmers and gatherers of the wild potato plants in swamps (hence the name gatogewi = "swamp"), along streams, and swamps to make flour or bread for food, and were so named after them. they are keepers and protectors of the earth. the wild potato clan have also been known as the bear clan, raccoon clan and even "blind savannah" in different regions. the clan color for the anigatogewi is green and their wood is birch.  ah-ni-gi-lo(la)-hi or long hair clan - this clan, also known as twister clan, hanging down clan or wind clan. gilahi is short for an ancient gitlvgvnahita, the warrior women's society, meaning something that grows from the back of the neck". those belonging to this clan wore their hair in elaborate hairdos, walked in a proud and vain manner twisting their shoulders. they are teachers and keepers of tradition. peace chiefs usually came from this clan at one time in cherokee history and wore a white feather robe. the clan color for the anigilohi is yellow and their wood is beech.  ah-ni-(k)a-wi or deer clan - those belonging to this clan were the keepers of the deer, deer hunters and trackers, tanners and seamers, as well as keepers of the deer medicines. they were known to be fast runners and foot messengers. the clan color for the ani kawi is brown and their wood is oak.  ah-ni-tsi-sk-wa or red tailed hawk clan - those belonging to this clan (also called the bird clan) were the keepers of the birds, sacred feathers and bird medicines. they were messengers and were very skilled in using blowguns and snares for bird hunting. their color is purple, and their wood is maple.  ah-ni-sa-ho-ni or blue holly clan - those belonging to this clan were keepers of all children's medicines and caretakers of medicinal herb gardens. they became known for a medicine from a bluish colored plant called a blue holly, and were so named after it. this clan has also been known as the panther or wild cat clan, in some regions. their color is blue and their wood is ash.  ah-ni-wo-di or paint clan - those belonging to this clan made red paint. the tribe's medicine men, dida:hnvwi:sgi (healers) and adawehi (wise men), traditionally came from this clan at one time in cherokee history. the clan color for the aniwodi is white and their wood is locust.  ah-ni-wa-ya or wolf clan - the wolf clan is the largest clan today and the most prominent clan, providing most of the war chiefs, and warriors. true ah-ni-wa-ya are protectors of the people. the wolf clan are keepers and trackers of the wolf and the only clan who could kill a wolf through special ceremonies and wolf medicines. the clan color of the aniwaya is red and their wood is hickory.