Choctaw Fast Facts by Jennifer Mieirs
Origin: Believed to have originated from the ancient Mexican Empire, the Choctaw and Chickasaw were once one band, who emigrated east and crossed the Mississippi. At some point the tribes split and became distinctly different. Missionaries when they came to the nation altered this tale a bit, so that it has some resemblance to typical biblical tales. It is believed the tribe may be distantly related to the Creeks and Seminoles.
Clan system:: A matriarchal society, the Choctaw had a complex and confusing system, of Clan's, Iska's, and districts, and since this has been misconstrued by historians, it is impossible to accurately name all the clans. The term Iska has been used to describe moieties, clans, districts and towns, and can be confusing in reading. The two moieties, which divided all Choctaw were Hattak I Holihtah (Their Men Fortify) and Kashapa Okla (Divided people). Strict observance of the moietie was observed, and ceremonies of the two were held differently. Also, marriage within the same moietie and iska (presumably, this may also include clan, but honestly, so much is misunderstood, no one can be totally sure) was strictly forbidden. The three districts were in the west Oklafayala (tall people or long people), in the south, Oklahunnelli (Six town), and Oklatannap the east (also seen as Ahepat Okla, meaning Short People), other ancient districts were Okla Chito (in the center), and Achikasa (Chickasaw).The clan's, seem to represent towns as well, among them are known to be, Kunsha (or Coosa) and Apela. In this system, inheritance was through the mother, the father had no control over his own children. Instead, the mother's oldest brother was in charge of her children, and inheritance came through him. Property of a man was claimed by his brothers. Of note, women never left their own clan (town), and owned the property.
Leadership: Each district had a principal chief, under him where the chiefs for each town or village. In later times (1810-1830), these village chiefs, and some of their war chiefs are seen with the title of Captain. Under the war chiefs, would come distinguished warriors, often the name of homma (huma, meaning red), or atubee (atbi, killer) was added to their names.
Religious Life: Early on not a well developed society with few ceremonies. Corn, their major crop, had a large importance to them, and was the subject of some ceremonies. Superstition of "witchcraft" was strong however, and they often killed those thought to be witches without a trial. They were slow to convert to christianity, even though the missionaries came among them early (around 1820), but once they did, they clung to this as strongly as they did their previous beliefs.
Burial Customs: These evolved over time. Of great importance early on was the mound, Nanih Waya, and other smaller mounds in Mississippi and Alabama. At that point and time, the body was placed on a scaffolding beside the deceased's home, for about six months. The body was dressed , and beside the corpse was placed food, drink, and things needed for a journey, the family dog was killed to accompany the deceased, and later on, a pony or horse was also sacrificed. After about 6 months, a ceremony was held, where, the bone pickers, (honored men and women, whose profession this was), would pick the flesh from the bones. The bones were removed, and the flesh and scaffolding was burned. The bones were taken to the village bone house. The mounds mentioned, occured when the bones were buried. (presumably to make more room). Once or twice a year, the bones of all the deceased were brought out, and a mourning ceremony, with much wailing was done by the entire village. Speaking the name of the dead was prohibited.
Original Land Area: The Choctaw originally occupied most of Mississippi, and part of Western Alabama. Their neighbors were the Chickasaws, and the Creeks.
Most Notable Leader : While many of the half breed chiefs are known, and some were even published, the best known, and respected leader was Pushmataha. He was one of the few indian chiefs thought well of by the United States Government. The two other chiefs prevalent at that time were Apuckanubbee, and Moshutabbee.
