Muskogean Tribes: Clan Systems Organized Life

Joshua Hinson, Director, Language Department, Division of Culture & Humanities, Chickasaw Nation

Joshua Hinson, Language Department Director for the Chickasaw Nation Division of Culture and Humanities, explains how clan structure and the smaller house groups were organizing forces from the Mississippian period until the middle 1800s and greatly shaped the daily events of the time period.

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The Southeast Clan System Defined Societal Structure

LaDonna Brown, Tribal Anthropologist, Department of History & Culture, Chickasaw Nation
LaDonna elaborates on the societal structure clans provided, such as who could be leaders, doctors or warriors.

The Ancient Language of Clans

Joshua Hinson
Joshua Hinson describes how his family learned the history of its clan, the Panther Clan.

Clan Systems in a Matrilineal Society

LaDonna Brown, Tribal Anthropologist, Department of History & Culture, Chickasaw Nation
LaDonna Brown explains how the clan system provided a societal structure for the southeastern tribes.

The Chickasaws: Clan System Enabled the "Indian Grapevine"

Richard Green, Author & Former Chickasaw Nation Historian
The clan system enabled the Chickasaws to trade with and be welcomed by other tribal members of the same clan.

Lowak: The Female Panther Clan Leader

Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate
Jerod Impichchaachaaha Tate notes the decision to recognize this traditional female role in the casting for Lowak Shoppala’.

Descending from Clans: A Matrilineal Society

Joshua Hinson
Joshua Hinson explains that traditionally, Chickasaw heritage descended solely from the female.

Illustrations: "Of the Bird Clan" and "Of the Raccoon Clan"

Jeannie Barbour
Jeannie Barbour discusses two of her most famous works, "Of the Raccoon Clan" and "Of the Bird Clan."

"The Bird Clan" Painting

Jeannie Barbour
Jeannie Barbour describes her painting with wardrobe elements and symbols that reflect cultural and spiritual significance.