Cyperaceae Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus

Hardstem Bulrush

Kansa - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Gilmore, Melvin R., 1913, A Study in the Ethnobotany of the Omaha Indians, Nebraska State Historical Society Collections 17:314-57., page 323

View all documented uses for Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus

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Scientific name: Schoenoplectus acutus var. acutus
USDA symbol: SCACA (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Hardstem Bulrush
Family: Cyperaceae
Family (APG): Cyperaceae
Native American Tribe: Kansa
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Braided stems used as one of the five coverings of the sacred clamshell. The sacred clamshell was kept wrapped in five coverings. The innermost covering was the bladder of a buffalo bull; the second, a covering made of the spotted skin of a fawn; the third was a covering made of braided cattails; the fourth, a very broad piece of deerskin and finally the fifth and outermost covering was made of braided hair from the head of a buffalo bull.

RECRD: 31832 id: 37374

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