Skiagusta facts for kids
A skiagusta (pronounced "sky-uh-GUS-tuh") was a special title for a war chief among the Cherokee people. This leader was also known as the red chief during times of trouble or war. The skiagusta held the highest rank for a war chief. However, even during wartime, they still had to listen to the council of the white chief, who was the peace chief, for anything that wasn't directly about fighting.
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Cherokee Leadership Before 1794
Before the Cherokee Nation was officially formed in 1794, the Cherokee people didn't have one central government. Everyone was seen as equal. But people who were good at speaking and leading discussions were highly respected and had more influence in meetings. The Cherokee people were connected by many towns and villages, each with its own leader called the "First Beloved Man" or Uku. This person wasn't a chief in the way we think of one today, but people in their town respected them. They would ask the First Beloved Man for advice when dealing with other towns or tribes.
War and Peace Towns
In the 1700s, Cherokee towns were known as either "red" (war) towns or "white" (peace) towns.
The Role of the Skiagusta
When there was conflict, leaders from the red towns would meet with a chosen war chief. This war chief, the skiagusta, became the main leader of the warriors. Their job was to plan and direct battles against enemies. The skiagusta was the highest rank in the war council. They were just above the outacite, which meant "mankiller" and was another important war title.
The Role of the Peace Chief
During these times, leaders of the peace (white) towns continued to meet with a chosen peace chief. White towns were safe places for anyone who needed protection. This included people who had committed minor offenses or enslaved people who had escaped. The peace chief had the power to change decisions made by the skiagusta at any time.
How a Skiagusta Was Chosen
Becoming a skiagusta depended on trust, skill, and continued success in battle. If a war chief was not successful in fighting, or if people thought they were not spiritually pure, they would quickly be replaced.
Famous Cherokee Leaders
Some Cherokee leaders are known to historians only by their leadership titles. Here are a few examples:
- Skiagunsta Cheowee: A Cherokee leader from around 1751.
- Skayaguska Oukah: A leader from Tasseta Town who visited England in 1730.
- Ostenaco Utsidihi: He was first an outacite ("mankiller") and later became a skiagusta ("war chief"). He was a leader from Tomotley Town. In 1762, he traveled to London with an English explorer named Henry Timberlake. Ostenaco later worked with another important Cherokee leader, Dragging Canoe.
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