Kanogesdi Unega Kununawa

A kanogesdi (or “a telling”) of the Unega Kununawa (“white pipe”) of the Ani-Yvwiya (Cherokee)
~~ as re-told by Li Luyi (aka “Lee Lewis” -- aka “Shaman”) whose father was of the Ani-Sahoni and mother of the Ani-Kutani ~~

Long ago, before written history, the Ani-Yvwiya (the Cherokee, or “Principal People”) lived in a land of lakes, rivers, beautiful valleys and rolling mist covered mountains. They had lived quite well in these lands for more winters than could be could be counted. They had lived comfortably with their neighbors in this land with a minimal disagreement or strife. However, time passed, and the Ani-Yvwiya began to conspire against and argue with their neighbors over many things, big and small. This caused fights to break out that even escalated to battles, skirmishes and even wars.

The Ani-Yvwiya had many great warriors, both male and female, and they had no fear of going to war. They had known peace throughout their history, but had also had their share of terrible battles. In those days, anger seemed to be rising and becoming much more prevalent than peace.

The Ani-Yvwiya lived upon the land and were one with nature. They lived, hunted, built their homes upon and thrived within this wooded, mountainous area. They enjoyed their closeness to Unetlanahe (or "the Apportioner" … sometimes called “The Creator” … or all to often “The Great Spirit”). Unetlanahe became troubled by all the fighting and violence and decided it was time for a change.

Within the lands of the Ani-Yvwiya was a Gigagei Atsina (a particular Cedar tree spoken of in legends). Gigagei Atsina was turned red by the blood of the severed head of a evil sorcerer who had been destroyed in battle by “Home Boy” and “Wild Boy,” who were twins and renowned warriors (or so the stories told). It is said that one day Uwohali (a great Eagle) perched upon Gigagei Atsina, and spoke to a woman of the Ani-Yvwiya.

Uwohali, a representative of Unetlanahe, told this woman that Unetlanahe was most displeased with the warring going on between the peoples, and said it was time to stop. Uwohali went on to say that he had brought the gift of peace for the people and that she should listen carefully to what he had to say. Uwohali told the woman to look into the roots of Gigagei Atsina. Within the cradle of the roots rested a special kununawa (pipe). This kununawa was made in two pieces; a smooth twisted stick for a stem, and the tusti (bowl), which was made from a unega nvya (white stone).

Uwohali said to tell the Ani-Yvwiya that Unetlanahe wished the Ani-Yvwiya take up the dohi kununawa (Pipe of Peace) instead of the instruments of war. He told her of how the pipe will be used to smoke the etikaiele tsalu (sacred tobacco) to pray for peace and to attain peace amongst themselves and with their neighbors. Uwohali then said that the warriors must bring their weapons to this place and bury them under Gigagei Atsina. If the men would take up the dohi kununawa instead of the instruments of war and both ponder and practice the ways of dohi (peace), and the consequences of war, their anger will be replaced with calm thinking and then peace will return to Elohi (Mother Earth).

Before leaving, Uwohali told the woman to tell the Ani-Yvwiya, that as long as they take up the dohi kununawa and the weapons remained buried, he would remain and watch over them, for all time. The dohi kununawa is symbolic of that promise.

It is known that the Ani-Yvwiya possessed a Unega Kununawa (white pipe); however, this particular kununawa tusti (pipe bowl) was round (like a saucer with a bowl on top) and was made to look somewhat like ulanawa (a turtle) and made of unega nvya that is referred to as Tsalagi kununawa nvya (Cherokee pipe stone). It also had galiquogi (seven) stem holes going around the lower body so that seven men, possibly of the Ugaya (Council of Clans) could all smoke together at one time, perhaps a dohi anaska (peace council) of sorts. The stems are a bit of a mystery as only the tusti can be remembered. There has been reference to replicas contained in the etikaiele atlisdodi (an “Ark” of sacred relics of the Ani-Yvwiya). The stories tell that this “Ark” was stolen, as it is told, by the Ani-Quanvgi (Delaware), but never has it been said if it was ever recovered.