Antheop. pap. 



NO. 78] EASTERN CHEROKEE GROUPS — KUPFERER 249 



John and Liza believe in signs, and many of their coping techniques 

 are of the sympathetic or contagious variety of magic. Although 

 they have never seen a witch themselves, they are sure there are 

 vdtches, for they know people who have seen them. One day Liza 

 was berrying on top of the mountain when she saw a large snake. 

 She was frightened, left her picking, and came home to tell John about 

 it. He told her that it was not a snake, it was a sign; and "sure 

 enough, the next week one of her relatives died." 



In the old days, before Will West Long died, John and Liza used to 

 go to the Indian dances, but now there is no one left who can lead 

 them. 



Liza is concerned about the health of her children. All of the 

 young ones have had Salk vaccine and other preventive inoculations 

 which are given in the clinic. However, she thinks that Indian 

 doctors know more about babies than White doctors do. One of 

 hers had hives. "Hives are something inside the baby which makes 

 him irritable and at night he cries and tosses in his sleep. White 

 doctors know nothing about this condition. We took him to an 

 Indian doctor and that baby got all right." John and Liza fondle 

 the young ones, and the baby is always held, patted, or nursed. 

 He never crawls about on the floor. His hair is long, because to cut it 

 before he walks would make him grow up weak. Liza doctors the 

 children at home, too, with Vicks or aspirin, and takes them down to 

 the hospital for shots. She has great faith in the power of injections. 

 But, she says, "Going to an Indian doctor is just like going to a White 

 doctor. The Indian doctor asks you questions too, and gives you 

 herb tea — and with him you get it all — not pushed down into a pill." 



When the children get too obstreperous, Liza warns them that a 

 booger will get them, or, what is probably worse, a "unega" (White 

 person) will get them. On rare occasions some of the bigger ones 

 may get switched. The three older boys often spend nights away 

 from home. Neither John nor Liza know where they are, and, unless 

 the absence is protracted, don't worry about it. Children are in- 

 variably sent to ask for favors or to borrow something for their 

 parents. Liza's sister often acts in the same capacity for her. Liza 

 participates in the gossip of the area and passes it on, 



John and Liza are not politically active, but they go to Qualla Club 

 meetings. John wants to see a fullblood council. He feels pretty 

 certain that some men who might run for chief or councU are for the 

 White Indians. "The White Indians have aU the money and they'd 

 like to get the land allotted." John doesn't have much money; his 

 car was repossessed a few months ago because he was five payments in 

 arrears. He plans to get another as soon as he can get money for a 

 downpayment. 



