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The Raven, or Amaheatai, Corane of the Euphorsee, was
also referred to as "Long Fellow." He was considered one of the strongest
and most powerful Cherokee warriors of his time. "Raven" is not a personal
name as such, but rather a military title used to designate a superior war
leader. It was very common for Cherokees to use their title as a personal
name. Since he was recognized as a war leader, he was to the white
settlers coming into the Cherokee nation, unlike his peace-loving sister, Nancy
Ward.
Mr. Hampton portrays "The Raven" as the central figure
of the picture. He is wearing a scalloped sun disc necklace, carved of
shell in a circular design. The cabins are representative of the
historical era of the early 1800's. The largest building pictured is the
Nancy Ward Tavern located on the Ocoee River. The eye then follows in a
circular motion to the figure of Raven on horseback.
Raven was considered a "Head Man" or "King of the
Valley" to his people, and also titled "Ruler of the Hywassee Valley Towns."
His burial site is on a hill overlooking the Ocoee River in Polk County near
Benton, Tennessee between Five Killer, his nephew, and Nancy Ward.
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