Poaceae Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.

Common Reed

Navajo - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 26

View all documented uses for Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.

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Scientific name: Phragmites australis (Cav.) Trin. ex Steud.
USDA symbol: PHAU7 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Common Reed
Family: Poaceae
Family (APG): Poaceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Reeds used to make prayersticks for the Mountain Chant Ceremony. The reeds were first rubbed with a polishing stone to remove the silicious surface in order that the paint might adhere well. The reeds were then rubbed with finely powdered tobacco or sometimes with snakeweed. Afterwards the reed was cut into four pieces (or ten pieces for the second ceremony). When this was finished, the sticks were colored and yucca inserted to serve as handles. The sections were then filled with some kind of tobacco. These had to be kept in order. The section growing nearest the ground was segment number one, the next number two and so on. It was also important that the side of the reed growing toward the east be indicated, so the painting would be done on the side having that exposure. This made it more potent. Fifty-two prayer sticks were made for the evening of the third day of the Night Chant. Of these, four were made of sections of reed, twelve of mountain mahogany, twelve of russian olive, twelve of sierra juniper and twelve of cherry. The first people, according to the Navajo, were supposed to have come up to this earth on a reed.

RECRD: 2666 id: 26604

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