Menominee Culture

The Clan Family System
Clan Family System

Traditional Lodging

 The clan is a very important part of the Menominee life.  A clan is a group of people who are related through a common ancestor.  The relationship goes far beyond the usual father, mother, brother, sister relationships; this relationship is more.  Because everything in the universe was made by the same creator, they are related.  When the Creator made each person, animal, and each object in the world, he created a relationship between each.

The people are related to the trees and the air, just as they are related to the animals.  It is due to this relationship that Indian People include animals in their religion, culture, and history.  All tribes may use an animal for some purpose; sinew, quills, feathers, fur skin, claws, or flesh.  Animals were placed on this earth so they could help the humans.  This is why much of the traditional clothing, utensils, homes and other items were made from parts of the animals.  Many animals have played important roles in the life of the Indian People. 

In showing their gratitude and respect for the animals, Indian People have identified their clans with names of certain animals.  Clans are very important in all Indian culture, history, and traditions.  Clans can give a person information and family background.  Of an individuals know what clan he/she/ belongs to, they can learn about their oldest relatives' background.  Much family history is kept active through the use of the clan system.

When an individual belongs to a certain clan, he/she belongs to a special family other than their immediate family.  They have clan relatives that may not be blood relatives, but according to the clan system, they are still closely related.  People may have relatives that they have never seen or met before, but in the eyes of the Creator, they are related.

Perhaps one of the most important parts of the Indian community is the use of the clan system.  Traditionally, the clan was used to keep order among people.  Each clan  had a particular responsibility or jobs within the community.  One might be in the clan of the leaders - Kene (Eagle), protectors - Awaehsaeh (Bear) or providers - Mahwae (Wolf).  All clans did their part to help the community survive.  It was a simple form of government that worked successfully for tens of thousands of years. 

The Menominee clan system was designed to establish order within the tribe.  In councils, a Chief represented each clan and its band.  Decisions were made with the interest of the entire tribe.  If there were disagreements, the people would be heard. 

The Menominee clan system included five main clans, with sub-clans.  The Awaehsaeh - Bear, Kene - Eagle, Mahwah - Wolf, Otea ciah - Crane and Mos - Moose make up the main clans.  According to available information, the clan system consisted of 34 subgroups divided into the five main clans, which were called phratries. 

Below is a breakdown of each phratry and its subdivision. 

Bear Phratry
Speakers & Keepers of the Law

Bear (Principal Clan)
Beaver
Muskrat
Otter
Sturgeon
Mud Turtle
Sunfish
Porcupine

 Thunderer's Phratry
Freedom & Justice

Golden Eagle (Principal Clan)
Raven
Crow
Red Tailed Hawk
Bald Eagle
Fish Hawk (Osprey)
Sparrow Hawk (American Kestrel)
Winter Hawk (Marsh Hawk)
Fork Tail Hawk (Swallow-Tail Kite)
Swift Flying Hawk (Coopers Hawk)

Crane Phratry
Architecture, Construction & Art

Sandhill Crane (Principal Clan)
Great Blud Heron
Old Squaw Duck
Coot
Loon
Turkey Buzzard

 Wolf Phratry
Hunting & Gathering

Wolf (Principal Clan)
Dog
White Tail Deer
Fox
Pine Squirrel
Moose Phratry
Community or Individual Security

Moose (Principal Clan)
Elk
Marten
Fisher
Raccoon

 
Many of the early writers, in the past 500 years, have depicted the ancestors of the American Indian as savage, primitive peoples.  Of course, this wasn't true, but this same type of thinking can still be found in materials written today.  More recent studies of Native American governments and societies have revealed great sophistication and culture throughout the tribal groups in the Americas.  The clan system of the Menominee people is but one example. 

 

Traditional Lodging
The Menominee people had two main styles of homes.  There was one kind for the warmer months of summer and one for protection from the cold winter.  Both styles of homes were called wiikiops and took much care and skill to build. 

The summer home was a rectangular cabin covered with elm or cedar bark.  The elm or cedar bark was easy to remove from the trees and did not curl up like birch.  Tall poles were used for the frame and lashed together.  The summer lodge was open and airy; it would not be comfortable in winter.

When building the winter home, the poles were bent for the dome-shaped wiikiop.  They were then covered with large strips of the bark.

When the winter wiikiop was finished, a fire was built inside for warmth.  A hole was left in the ceiling for the smoke to escape.  A circle of stones was placed around the fire.  These stones heated up and kept the home warm throughout the night. 

Both homes were waterproof and were built close to other homes for protection.  Animal skins may have been used for doors.  Lakeshore reeds were woven for rugs and cots, and benches were built along the inside walls for use as tables, shelves or beds. 

Winter Wiikiop at Menominee High School, Keshena, WI