Moytoy of Tellico facts for kids

Moytoy of Tellico (died 1741) was an important leader of the Cherokee people in the southeastern part of what is now the United States. He lived in a time when European colonists were expanding their settlements.

Moytoy's Special Titles

Moytoy was given the title "Emperor of the Cherokee" by a man named Alexander Cumming. Cumming was a Scottish official who worked for the British colony of South Carolina. English reports often called Moytoy "King" because that was a title the colonists understood. Moytoy was from Great Tellico, an old Cherokee town in what is now Tennessee.

In 1730, Alexander Cumming planned a special ceremony. He wanted Moytoy to be crowned "emperor" over all the Cherokee towns. This ceremony was meant to impress Cumming's bosses in the colonial government. Moytoy was crowned in the town of Nikwasi. He wore a special headdress called the "Crown of Tannassy."

Cumming also wanted Moytoy and a group of Cherokee leaders to travel to England. There, they would meet King George II. Moytoy decided not to go because his wife was sick. Instead, another important Cherokee leader, Attakullakulla (also known as Little Carpenter), went in his place. When they met King George, the Cherokee leaders presented the "Crown" to him.

Moytoy's Family

We don't know the name of Moytoy's wife from old historical records. Some newer books use the name Go-sa-du-isga for her, but it's not clear if this is correct.

After Moytoy died, his son, Amouskositte, tried to become the next "Emperor." However, by 1753, another leader named Conocotocko (also called Old Hop) became the most powerful leader in the area. He was from Chota, which was one of the Overhill Towns.

Some modern stories say that Moytoy of Tellico was the uncle of Moytoy of Citico. But there are no old historical records that prove this family connection.

What Does "Moytoy" Mean?

The exact meaning of Moytoy's name is not fully known. Many modern books suggest it comes from the Cherokee word "A-Ma-Do-Ya" and means "rainmaker." However, this translation seems to be incorrect. In the Cherokee language, "A-Ma" means "water," and "Do-Ya" means "beaver."

Other ideas for the name's meaning have also been suggested. For example, some thought "A-Ma" (water) was combined with the French word "Matai" (to master). But this also seems wrong, and it's unlikely the Cherokee used many French words like this back then. Names like "Amo-adaw-ehi" or "Amo-adawehi" have also been suggested as Cherokee names for Moytoy, but their origins are unclear.

The name "Amatoya" or similar names linked to a chief Moytoy don't appear in writings before the mid-1900s. These names were used in books by James P. Brown, but his books don't explain where he got these translations. Older sources don't connect Moytoy of Tellico or Moytoy of Citico to any of these modern translations.

Some modern stories also claim that "Moytoy" was a Cherokee family name that was passed down from fathers to sons. But there is no historical proof for this idea. In Cherokee culture, family lines and titles were usually passed down through the mother's side of the family. So, it's unlikely that titles went from father to son during that time.

James Mooney, a researcher who lived among the Cherokee in the late 1800s, gave a different translation for "rain-maker." He said the Cherokee word was "a'nigani'ski." Since the Cherokee language has changed a little over time, his translation is probably more accurate for when Moytoy of Tellico lived.

It's also possible that Moytoy's name was misspelled by the English people who wrote it down. It's hard to write this name using the Cherokee Syllabary because it has sounds that are unusual for the Cherokee language.

Wampum Belts and Treaties

A wampum belt is a special belt made of shell beads. These belts were used by Native American tribes to record history, agreements, and treaties. One of the seven sacred wampum belts still owned by the Western Cherokee has the large letters "A.M." at one end. The other end has a large square shape, which is often seen on belts that remember treaties.

A long white "path" connects the two ends of this belt. This path might represent the long distance between the two groups who made the agreement. It's possible that this is the belt that remembers the treaty between the British and "Amatoya Moytoy" (A.M.) in 1730. This treaty was called the "Articles of Friendship and Commerce." However, the Cherokee people who own the belt today have a different understanding of its meaning. Also, the name "Amatoya Moytoy" doesn't seem to have been used in historical records for this leader before the mid-1900s.

See also

In Spanish: Moytoy de Tellico para niños