The supreme deity was Ababinili, an aggregation of four
celestial beings: Sun, Clouds, Clear Sky, and He That Lives in
the Clear Sky. Fire, especially the sacred fire, was a
manifestation of the supreme being. Two head priests (hopaye)
presided over ceremonies and interpreted spiritual matters.
Healers (aliktce), who combated evil spirits by using various
natural substances, and witches were two types of spiritual
people. Political leadership was chosen in part according to
hereditary claim but also according to merit. The head chief,
chosen from the Minko clan, was known as the High Minko. Each
clan also had a chief. There was also a council of advisers,
which included clan leaders and tribal elders. The fundamental
units were local groups. Key Chickasaw values included
hospitality and generosity, especially to those in need. Two
divisions were in turn divided into many ranked matrilineal
clans. The people played lacrosse, chunkey (in which an arrow
was shot through a hoop), and other games, most of which in