Ani-kutani facts for kids
The Ani-kutani (ᎠᏂᎫᏔᏂ) were an ancient group of spiritual leaders for the Cherokee people. They were like priests or religious guides. According to Cherokee stories, the Ani-Kutani were removed from power about 300 years before Europeans arrived. This happened because the Ani-Kutani had become unfair and abused their power. The old ways of Cherokee society and the Cherokee clans were closely connected to the Ani-Kutani's beliefs.
The Ani-Kutani might be linked to the Longhair Clan, also called Anigilohi (ᎠᏂᎩᎶᎯ). This group was known as "fire priests" in more recent times. The Ani-Kutani may have been a special class of religious leaders or a family group that passed down their roles. The word "Aní-" means a group of people. The meaning of "kutáni" is not known today.
Stories from James Mooney about the Ani-Kutani
James Mooney was a writer who collected many stories and myths from the Cherokee people. In his book, Myths of the Cherokee, he wrote about the Ani-Kutani. He noted that even in his time, people weren't sure exactly who they were. Some thought they were an older group who lived before the Cherokee. Others believed they were a special group or family within the Cherokee tribe itself.
The Ani-Kutani likely led all the religious ceremonies for the Cherokee. They might have been Mound Builders, people who built large earth mounds. These mounds are found in the Appalachian lands where the Cherokee lived.
Mooney's sources described the Ani-Kutani as disliked and unfair. They were said to have misused their religious power. Mooney wrote that they were completely removed from power. Even in 1866, when Principal Chief John Ross and Dr. J. B. Evans mentioned them, the story was already very old. This showed how long ago the events must have happened.
Mooney wrote about how the people felt: The Cherokee people were unhappy about the unfair actions of this powerful group. They feared the Ani-Kutani but also deeply disliked them. Finally, a brave young man from an important family decided to act. He planned a secret uprising against the spiritual leaders. The main reason for this plan was a very unfair act against his family. A member of the Ani-Kutani had committed a serious wrong against his family while he was away.
When the young leader returned, he easily found others who felt the same anger. Many people had suffered similar unfair treatment. Many more worried that they might suffer too. All they needed was a leader. This young brave became their leader. Under his direction, the people rose up and removed every Ani-Kutani, both young and old. This is how a special group with inherited power ended among the Cherokee. Since that time, the Cherokee have not allowed inherited special privileges.
