Final Exam Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 3

Final Exam - Essay Example Peoplehood is the consciousness of the fundamental unity that makes a person a part of a society. Peoplehood matrix constitutes four basic principles, a consecrated history, a well-defined terrain, and the environment, a distinct language and a characteristic ceremonial cycle. This paper will look into these principles. Peoplehood features were attributed to socio-cultural, political, economic, and environmental behaviours of Cherokee inhabitants. They included the Cherokee Indians, Delaware, Natchez people and the Shawnee. Membership of Cherokee community entailed certain obligations that had to be met for one to participate in the continuation of a good life in Cherokee nation. For example, young men and women graduated to the elderly and diplomatic stature only after serving as warriors (Mooney 56). Cherokee nation had ceremonies that honoured and cared for the sacred fire analogous to the sun and a symbol of purity. Annually Cherokee people gathered to dance in a bright flame and dark shadows of everlasting fire and ask for help of the fire and the spirits. They believed that as long as the fire burned, Cherokee people were destined to survive (Mails 23). Several Cherokee ceremonies were performed, ceremonial lighting of sacred fire, sacrifice of tobacco or meat, purification of individuals ceremony, all night dances. Concisely, all the ceremonies were linked to the fire. There was danger of neglecting the ceremonies; they believed the spirit could affect the health and well-being of the individual who disobeyed the ceremonies (Kelley 23). Cherokee nation had towns each under the headship of chiefs and war leaders. There were two kinds of chiefs; white chiefs and war chiefs. The white chiefs were elderly and had a mandate to preserve peace. They were resourceful, experienced, and respected people. They also conducted the spiritual ceremonies and helped in conflict resolution (Wilkins 34). The war chiefs or group of warriors had specialized