Women held places of great cultural significance and political influence in Cherokee society. Women were both physical representations of the Great Mother—the earth, the source of life, and the feminine representation of a deity—and recognized sources of wise council for leaders of the tribe. “Beloved Women” (those who advocated for peace) were held in equal, if not greater, respect to “War Women” (who fought valorously in battle) by all members of the tribe. Cherokee women participated in treaty negotiations alongside men, so much so that many Cherokee viewed the lack of women in white delegations to signal a lack of respect for the negotiation itself and for women as a moderating force on the proceedings.