War Trail

The Cherokee War Chief, had power only in war. He was called the Raven, wore red, and went straight into the enemy. He had 3 spies: the Owl (went to the right) ; the Wolf (went to the left), and the Fox (doubled back and came from behind). The war party walked in their leaders tracks to prevent detection. The only reason for war was to avenge a Cherokee’s death. Under the old Blood Law, the clan of the murdered Cherokee was responsible for revenge. The decision to go to war was voluntary. The men purified themselves for several days before going on the war trail by fasting, drinking the "black drink" and "going to water". The women sometimes went to war with their men.

Source: The Cherokee 1994 Heritage Calendar by Dorothy Sullivan, Memoray Circle Studio, Norman, Ok.