Joel A.

Roney
10/21/2016
LBST-2102-338
Mini Paper

Not just a highly caffeinated beverage, the mysterious black drink was used for more than just a
quick buzz. From purging oneself to rituals this drink was a major aspect of the Southeastern Native
Americans culture. While almost every single Southeastern Native American tribe took part in
consuming the beverage, others were more known for its ritualistic use. For Cherokee, like others, this
ceremonial drink has a history behind its preparation and uses.
Firstly to appreciate the rituals black drink was used for understanding the history and
preparation is needed. Archaeologists have dated the use of black drink back to the late Archaic times,
from around 8000 to 2000 BCE, and used possibly even before those times. The name itself is a form
of colonization, when the European Colonists arrived and gave it the name because of its dark color.
However the Native Americans had used another name White Drink for it because in their culture
white symbolized purity, happiness, and social harmony.
To prepare the drink first a tribesman would have to venture out to find a type of holly called
yaupon, then gather its leaves, and dried branches. After acquiring those ingredients they were roasted
over a fire so that they could turn brown and release more caffeine. Once the plant pieces were
browned, they were added to a large vessel of water and brought to a boil, this is the step that gives the
beverage its colonized name. When the boiling process is complete it was cooled down just enough as
to not burn the person drinking it. Finally at the correct temperature, the chief was served his first
portion of the drink, followed by those that participated in brewing it, and then by other higher
tribesmen. The drink exhibits a form of hierarchy in each tribe, only those proven and worthy are aloud
to drink it, woman, children, and lesser men never participated in the consumption. The cups used in

the ingestion of black drink were commonly a lighting whelk shell, the shell might have had a religious
purpose due to its association with dance. Although the lighting whelk may have been the most favored
there were two other types of shells used for the sacred cups for black drink. Archaeologist do not
know the exact reasoning for these specific types of shells being extensively used for these rituals, but
they have been found all the way from Florida to Wisconsin at archaeological sites.
Many tribes used black drink for ceremonial purposes such as the Yuchi, Caddo, and Muscogee,
however the Cherokee had the most interesting uses of the beverage. Much like other tribes, the
Cherokee used black drink to purify the spirit, physical aliments, and renewal before rituals. Most
common rituals black drink was consumed for renewal was the stomp dance. Before the any ritual
involving black drink, the chief will dip his shell cup into the drink, pour some on the ground, and then
consume the rest in his cup. After he was served the next in command will perform the same act of the
possible offering of black drink then drink his portion. This continues until all men worthy of black
drink have offered, then purged their bodies and soul. After hours of drinking the caffeinated beverage
a skin is wrapped over the container filled with left over black drink and is used for a drum for the
coming ritual. Fires were lit, drums were played, and dancing continued all night for
The Green Corn Ceremony held an importance to many Native American cultures, however the
Cherokee additionally involved black drink in their harvest celebration. This ceremony is a celebration
after a successful corn season, the Native Americans gave thanks for the harvest and thought of it as a
renewal of life. This time was used to purge the village of ill thoughts and actions. For the Cherokee it
was a time of forgiveness. They forgave any grudges or crimes besides murder which was still held
morally wrong. This ritual is a perfect example for the use of black drink; cleansing ones soul and body
of painful memories or actions they have done to others.
Black drink was not limited to the Green Corn Ceremony. Stomp Dancing was another highly
regarded ceremony for the Cherokee in which black drink was used. Once again with this ritual the
men of the community would divulge in black drink and converse about politics, while the women of

the tribe prepare a feast for the whole village. Once the feast was prepared and the drum was ready the
celebration would commence. Dancing around the fire into the night giving worship to the gods that
have provided them with blessings, this was truly a worthy gathering.
Black drink was a definite substructure of the Southeastern Native American tribes. Its
caffeinated nature allowed for vigorous celebration through the night. Though energizing it was, if it
not cautious, there potentially negative effects as well. In high dosages caffeine can result in feelings of
nausea, or vomiting, in which the Cherokee used as a form of purification. However with such high
dosages caffeine can result in death. The practice of consuming black drink was an important part of
Cherokee culture, its intense effects were equally important in the cleansing of ill will, and the
celebration of life.

Bibliography:
Ellison, George. "Yaupon And The Black Drink". Smokymountainnews.com. N.p., 2016. Web. 21
Oct. 2016.
"The Green Corn Ceremony | Native American Netroots". Nativeamericannetroots.net. N.p., 2011.
Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
http://cherokeeregistry.com/black_drink.pdf N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.
"Cherokee Stomp Dance". Cherokee.org. N.p., 2016. Web. 22 Oct. 2016.