Elk Clan Origin Myth - Winnebago The Elk Clan (Hûwâ Hik'ik'aradjera) is a small Lower or Earth Moiety clan closely associated with the Deer Clan, with which it is said to have a special friendship relation. [1] The Elk Clan was in charge of distributing fire within the village, on the hunt, and on the warpath. However, it was forbidden for them to hold fire towards anyone. They claim half of the fire and therefore half of the chieftainship. [2] The Elk Clan functioned as ushers at councils. [3] Members of the Snake Clan bury an Elk clansmen when he dies, although occasionally the Waterspirit and Eagle Clans may perform this function. The faces of the dead were painted with white and blue dots on their cheeks, a pattern also used by the Deer Clan. [5] The following short version of the clan origin was obtained by Paul Radin from a member of the clan: Version 1. Earthmaker thought to himself how he would like to see something animate in the world, so he created a man, and this man was good. Earthmaker thought the man ought to have a companion, so he made a woman. Then he wondered, How shall they know one another? So he caused an animal to emerge out of the water. Earthmaker had made a village in the west for the humans, and he asked them, "What would you like to live through?" And they replied, "Since elks are without sin, we would like to live through them." So Earthmaker created four elks and they thought that they were the only living things on earth. Earthmaker let the eldest of them know of the other clans. It was he who led them to Red Banks where they met the other clans, and there they became human and lived as Hotcâgara. [6] Version 2. Originally the Hotcâgara lived in Spiritland somewhere in the west. Then Earthmaker announced to them: "My children, I have created an earth for you to inhabit. Since there must be some way for you to recognize one another there, you shall select an animal that you love best, one after which your clan shall be named and recognized. Some people thought that of all animals the elk was noted for its beauty, cleanliness, good habits, and even temperament, so they selected that animal and became the Elk Clan. [7] Notes: [1] David Lee Smith, Folklore of the Winnebago Tribe (Norman: University of Oklahoma Press, 1997) 9. [2] Paul Radin, The Winnebago Tribe (Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 1990 [1923]) 201. [3] Oliver LaMère, "The Clan Organization of the Winnebago," Publications of the Nebraska State Historical Society, 19 (1919): 90. [4] All names are taken from Radin (R) unless otherwise indicated, and the following sources as indicated: (R) Radin, The Winnebago Tribe, 202. [5] Radin, The Winnebago Tribe, 201. [6] Radin, The Winnebago Tribe, 202. [7] LaMère, "The Clan Organization of the Winnebago," 87-88. Come visit us at. "Keeper of Stories". http://www.newkeeperofstories.com/ or Come visit us. "Native Village" [email protected]