The Lady of Cofitachequi

The Lady of Cofitachequi was a Native American woman who served as chieftainess of the Cofitachequi tribe during the 16th century. She was described by Spanish chroniclers as possessing beautiful physical attributes as well as excellent mental capabilities. Her tribe spoke the Muskogean language but other villagers from her kingdom's domains also spoke the Catawban and Cherokee tongues. Even though she is best known for her encounter with the Spanish conquistador, Hernando De Soto, her historical importance is that she ruled over the extensive Kingdom of Cofitachequi and had thousands of subjects including slaves. Cofitachequi was one of the wealthiest kingdoms of the 16th century. As part of the Mississippian culture, her kingdom enjoyed political centralization and agricultural production. Under the leadership of The Lady of Cofitachuqui, trade within the provinces guaranteed access to food, weapons, minerals, and raw materials. As a woman, her power was such that she exercised control over subordinate chiefdoms controlled by men. The Spaniards recognized her power as among the greatest of the Southeast chiefs.