Salicaceae Salix sp.

Omaha - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Gilmore, Melvin R., 1919, Uses of Plants by the Indians of the Missouri River Region, SI-BAE Annual Report #33, page 73

View all documented uses for Salix sp.

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Scientific name: Salix sp.
Common names:
Family: Salicaceae
Family (APG): Salicaceae
Native American Tribe: Omaha
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Stems used in funeral customs. The burial ceremony occurred four days after the death. The young men and friends of the family of the deceased accompanied the funeral party to the grave where they made parallel gashes in the skin of the forearm and thrust the willow stems into the gashes. The stems were bathed with the young men's blood who attested their sympathy to the living and sang the tribal Song to the Spirit. The song was one of cheer to the departing spirit and one of sympathy to the bereaved.

RECRD: 31184 id: 36252

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