Poaceae Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) A.S. Hitchc.

Deergrass

Zuni - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Stevenson, Matilda Coxe, 1915, Ethnobotany of the Zuni Indians, SI-BAE Annual Report #30, page 91

View all documented uses for Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) A.S. Hitchc.

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Scientific name: Muhlenbergia rigens (Benth.) A.S. Hitchc.
USDA symbol: MURI2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Deergrass
Family: Poaceae
Family (APG): Poaceae
Native American Tribe: Zuni
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Grass attached to sticks of plume offerings to anthropic gods. This grass was used only by Galaxy and Shu'maakwe fraternities. The sticks designated the god to whom the offerings were made and the plumes of the eagle and of other birds conveyed the breath prayers to the gods.

RECRD: 32974 id: 23543

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