Creek

The Council was called Inłałaka, łałaka being a word which signified “great men” or “officers.” The town council is said to have been composed of the Town Chief (Miko), the Square Chief (Tcoko-lako Miko), the “Speaker to the Chief,” who in this case seems to be identified with the head Tastanagi, and a Councilman from each of the clans, that is, its Ancient. Although it is not so stated, I feel that it must leave included the other speaker for the chief, the Taskheniha, though he may have been admitted to it as Ancient for his own clan. This, indeed, … Read more

The first personal name was given to a child at birth in commemoration of an important event which might. have occurred then, or in remembrance of some good or ill fortune that had befallen one of the older clan people, some one of the mother’s brothers or sisters or their children. That is, it might refer to ail event which was connected with the person’s immediate family or members of his clan. For istance, if some person, perhaps the father or mother, ran away or was thrown down, or if the father was on an expedition and a remarkable event … Read more

When matters of importance to the segment of a clan arose, this Ancient might call a Council of the clan of all :those who had arrived at years of maturity. The government and teaching of the youth of tile clan belonged to this Ancient. It was his duty to instruct them, from time to time, in their duties and obligations to one, another and to their elders and to the members of the clan. Punishment for even childish derelictions could not be meted out without his advice and consent, which was usually given in a formal manner. The boy or … Read more

There was yet another class of people in the state, namely, the prophets and medicine men or shamans. These constituted a priesthood, and performed important functions. Every act of the Muskogee government, or of the officers thereof, was considered a religious act. Councils were always convened with religious ceremonies and the installation of officers was always opened similarly. In the charge given to the officers at their installation, the religious customs were enjoined and the importance of these shown. The festivals held by the people were all religious festivals, were opened with religious ceremonies, and were intended to inculcate religious … Read more

Rather brief mention is made of “the Chief or Superintendent of the Council Square.” He seems to have been the man called in one place Tocko-łako-miko, “Big House (i. e.. Square) Chief.” His duties were plainly confined to matters within the Square Ground, as his name implies, but he was also a kind of lieutenant to the Town Chief and took his place on occasion. Therefore he was usually called Miko Apokta, “Second Chief,” and generally belonged to the same clan as Miko. The chief’s adviser and spokesman was called Henīha or Taski Henīha. In one place it is said … Read more