Prior to the European Invasion and subsequent Disease Holocaust, the Muskogean regions of the Southeast were divided up into provinces of varying size and sophistication. Some areas, particularly those dominated by the Kusv were on the verge of becoming true nations. The Kusv Province based at what is now Carters Lake, GA stretched for about 400 miles across - From Knoxville to Birmingham. The Kusv Province in South Carolina, was almost as large. Archaeologists like to call these polities chiefdoms - a term Euro-centric anthropologists developed to describe African cultures. However, a mikko was not the same thing as a hereditary, all-powerful African chief. The mikko was elected by an elected legislative body. He or she could also be deposed by the legislative body. The mikko was more of an administrator, chief priest and symbolic head of state. During war time, other leaders took control of the government. Obviously, the Spanish never understood this, and often mistook war leaders for Great Suns or Hese-mikko's. Within the provinces might be several ethnic groups, speaking several languages or dialects. The leaders of smaller villages were called Orataws and they were appointed by the central governments. There was a parallel organization of people known as the clan. The clans probably were ancient and were originally separate tribes or bands. The clans were the means by which the commoners were represented in the government. The also tended to unite a region. Men had to marry women from another clan, which often meant relocating to another village or town. Thus, over time a province would be united by blood ties, rather than divided by inbred extended families. Does that answer your question? **************Looking for a car that's sporty, fun and fits in your budget? Read reviews on AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/cars-BMW-128-2008/expert-review?ncid=aolaut00050000000017 )