Cherokee Seven Clan Collection
Teaching Cherokee culture and heritage through play.
Why I Created the Collection
For years, I noticed that many toys marketed as “Cherokee” had little connection to actual Cherokee history or culture, and often were not designed by Native American artists.
When I had the opportunity to work with a toy company, I wanted to create something different—something children could genuinely have fun with while also learning about Cherokee culture and heritage.
The result was the Cherokee Seven Clan Collection, a set of plush finger puppets representing each of the seven Cherokee clans, along with a plush Council House carrying case.
What's Included
The Cherokee Seven Clan Collection includes seven plush finger puppets, each representing one of the seven Cherokee clans. Every puppet features details connected to the clan it represents and includes an attached educational tag with the clan name, Cherokee name and syllabary, and information about the clan’s traditional role.
The collection also includes a plush Council House carrying case, designed after the traditional Cherokee Council House. The names and symbols of all seven clans are embroidered around the roof, and the finger puppets can be stored inside when not in use.
Learning Through Play
The Cherokee Seven Clan Collection was created to give children a hands-on way to become familiar with the seven Cherokee clans. Each finger puppet represents a clan, while the Council House carrying case brings them together in one place—just as the seven clans traditionally had their own places within the Council House.
Meet the Seven Cherokee Clans
The Cherokee people have seven clans, each with its own traditional responsibilities within the community. The seven finger puppets in this collection were created to help children learn the clan names and some of the roles traditionally associated with them.
Long Hair Clan
Anigilohi
ᎠᏂᎩᎶᎯ
The members of the Long Hair Clan were known as the peacekeepers. They were teachers of tradition and would adopt those that were brought into the village from outside the tribe
Deer Clan
Aniawi
ᎠᏂᎠᏫ
Members of the Deer Clan were known as fast runners and hunters. They hunted game for food, clothing and tools. They also took care of any animals that lived within the village.
Wolf Clan
Aniwaya
ᎠᏂᏩᏯ
Bird Clan
Anitsisqua
ᎠᏂᏥᏍᏆ
Paint Clan
Aniwodi
ᎠᏂᏬᏗ
Blue Clan
Anisahoni
ᎠᏂᏌᎰᏂ
Wild Potato Clan
Anigodagewi
ᎠᏂᎦᏙᎨᏫ
Council House
Gatuyi
ᎦᏚᏱ
The Cherokee towns had a large meeting structure called a Council House (or Townhouse), which was the center of government for each town, as well as a setting for public events and activities. The Council House/Townhouse was divided into seven sides, so that each clan had a place within. The seven sections of seats surrounded the center fire. The seats of the head warriors are nearest to it.
From Artwork to Plush
When I first spoke with the toy manufacturer about creating a line of toys, I shared several images of my artwork so he could become familiar with my work. As we looked through them, we came across one of my Cherokee Seven Clans paintings. We both agreed that it could make a wonderful set for children.
I sat down and began sketching each of the characters, then emailed my drawings to the manufacturer. It became quite a learning process for me. We went back and forth with questions, additional sketches and revisions until we felt confident enough to have the first samples made.
As each sample arrived, we carefully inspected it and made changes where they were needed. I also consulted with Cherokee language leaders and elders to make sure the cultural information was presented correctly and that the Cherokee syllabary used on the educational tags was accurate.
From the first sketches to the finished designs and educational tags, the development process took about two years. I wanted to take the time necessary to create the collection in a way I felt properly represented what I was trying to teach.
Where to Find the Collection
In Stores
The Cherokee Seven Clan Collection is carried by a number of museum and cultural gift shops, including:
- Cherokee Nation gift shops throughout Oklahoma
- Five Civilized Tribes Museum — Muskogee, Oklahoma
- Museum of the Cherokee People — Cherokee, North Carolina
Online
The collection can also be found through several online retailers, including:
This is not a complete list of retailers, and availability may vary.
Wholesale
The Cherokee Seven Clan Collection is available for wholesale purchase by museums, gift shops, cultural centers, educational retailers and other qualifying businesses.
Wholesale orders can be placed online through Faire, or retailers may contact my representative directly for ordering information and assistance.
Wholesale Representative:
Danica Adams
Soft Stuff Creations
danica@softstuffcreations.com
Seeing the Collection Out in the World
It is still a bit surreal to see my plushies out in the world. People come up to me at shows and send me messages telling me how much their children love the puppets. Friends traveling around the country will even send me photos when they unexpectedly come across them in gift shops.
I was especially thrilled when the Cherokee Little Seed Immersion group purchased a number of the puppets for the children in their program. I am also humbled when schools reach out to me asking how they can purchase sets for their students.
When I first began sketching these characters, I hoped to create something children could enjoy while learning about Cherokee culture and heritage. It is quite an honor to know that there are families and educators who want to share the collection with their children—and that some of these little plushies may be kept, passed down, and continue teaching generations to come
