American Indian philosophy is centered on observations of the world, which were then transformed into deeply held spiritual beliefs. Animal symbols were used as a way of listening to the innate wisdom of animals. Animal and man were considered as being the same—neither one above the other — and all things are considered different, but equal, from nature’s perspective.
In earlier times, all Chickasaws belonged to a clan of his or her mother; this is known as a matrilineal system. One of the main functions of the clan was to provide kinship with clan members in other villages. Traditionally, a person would not be allowed to marry someone within his or her own clan. The clan was the most important group to which a person belonged. This membership was more important than belonging to anything else and every group had its own clan animal.
Clans
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Iksa' Shawi' (Raccoon Clan)
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Leaders were chosen from this clan
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Liked to dance
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Loved to eat fish and all kinds of fruit
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Very cunning and could not be deceived
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Had great faith in their leaders and elders
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Iksa' Foshi' (Bird Clan)
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Iksa' Acho' Chaba' (Alligator Clan)
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Ishtaaonchololi' Issi' (Deer Clan)
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Iksa' Kowishto' Losa' (Panther Clan)
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Hunters
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Lived in hills or mountains
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Lived close to water, but not too close
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Owned plenty of property and horses
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When holding a great feast, invited all their neighbors
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Iksa' Kowimilhlha' (Wildcat Clan)
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Hunters
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Seldom went out in the daytime
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Roamed about at night in search of food
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Swift of foot
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Very keen eyes
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Iksa' Nani' (Fish Clan)
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Iksa' Chola' (Fox Clan)
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Lived in the woods
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Prepared for a hunt for many days
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Iksa' Koni (Skunk Clan)
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Lived in dugouts or underground
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Seldom saw the sunrise
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Iksa' Fani' (Squirrel Clan)
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Iksa' Nashoba' (Wolf Clan)