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Archiver > CHOCTAW-SOUTHEAST > 2002-03 > 1015517830


From: "Tammy" <>
Subject: [CHOCTAW-SE] "Mingo" or "Chief"
Date: Thu, 7 Mar 2002 08:17:15 -0800
References: <107.e1017d8.29b85dda@aol.com> <3C8785B7.28D6CF9D@wnonline.net>


"Mingo" was derived from minko, a Choctaw word usually translated by the
white man as "chief." Probably "leader" would be a more realistic meaning,
because "chief" indicated to the white man a leader with more power than
that actually exercised by a minko. The "Relation" mentions a "Tichou-mingo"
from tishu, servant, and mingo - who served as aide-de-camp to the head
chief of a village. The author of the "Relation" wrote that the Tishu mingo
was:
"... like a major. It is he who arranges for all of the ceremonies, the
feasts, and the dances. He acts as speaker for the chief, and makes the
warriors and strangers smoke." The Tichou-mingo usually become village
chiefs.
Bishinik, March 1979


> > My question is whether you or anyone else has ever heard to term
> > "Mingo" used before in reference to a Choctaw chief? If so, is Chief
the
> > correct translation of "Mingo". Is there a comparable term for the
chief's
> >
> > wife or for a chief's child.

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