Agavaceae Yucca elata (Engelm.) Engelm.

Soaptree Yucca

Navajo - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 33

View all documented uses for Yucca elata (Engelm.) Engelm.

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Scientific name: Yucca elata (Engelm.) Engelm.
USDA symbol: YUELE (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Soaptree Yucca
Family: Agavaceae
Family (APG): Asparagaceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Leaves made into scourges and used in the Night Chant. A leaf was taken from the east side of the plant and one from the west. The leaves were then split in two and the interchanged halves bound together to form the scourge. These scourges were carried by the different personators in the Night Chant.

RECRD: 2708 id: 44037

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