Cherokee Red

The American writer John Howard Payne wrote about pre-19th-century Cherokee culture and society. The Payne papers describe the account by Cherokee elders of a traditional two-part societal structure. A "white" organization of elders represented the seven clans. As Payne recounted, this group, which was hereditary and priestly, was responsible for religious activities, such as healing, purification, and prayer. A second group, the "red" organization, was responsible for warfare. The Cherokee considered warfare a polluting activity, and warriors required purification by the priestly class before participants could reintegrate into normal village life. This hierarchy had disappeared long before the 18th century. Some historians believe the decline in priestly power originated with a revolt by the Cherokee against the abuses of the priestly class known as the Ani-kutani. "Cherokee Red instantly lulls you into a blissfully peaceful state of deprived consciousness." - Joshua Mellin; Indie Shuffle "...the album makes me want to go to dark bar, drink absinthe and write poetry." - The Music Ninja "Cherokee Red's self-titled debut is a meditation on the soul... Frankly, this is some pretty existential shit." - Clint Murdoch; Fabricoh Magazine Listen! :: http://cherokeeredband.com