A clan is an extended family or a group of families that have a common female relative. Each Iroquois nation had a different number of clans. Each clan lived in its own longhouse and was named after an animal, such as a wolf, bear, turtle or hawk. Members of the same clan were relatives and not allowed to marry each other.
After
a couple from two different clans got married, the husband became a member
of the wife's family. Their children became part of their mother's clan.
Clanship identity was very important in Native American society. The clan
mother chose the tribe's leaders, who then formed the council. At council
meetings, the leaders, or sachems made decisions for their nation. However,
the clan mothers still had a lot of power over the council. Before a meeting,
the clan mothers would make suggestions and if not respected, the clan
mother could expel the sachem.
Image created by Nick, Paige, Mianna, and Alanna
Image created by Nick, Paige, Mianna, and Alanna
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