Pseudo- Archeology...Martians, Atlanteans, and "Lost Tribes" @ Institute for American Indian Studies October 30

The Institute for American Indian Studies is hosting the 15th annual Native American Archaeological Roundtable via zoom on Friday, October 30 for $10. To register click here. The program will take place from 11 am to 2 pm.

Pseudo-archaeology is also known as an alternate, fringe, or cult archaeology. It is a study that has drawn not only professionals but also the American public. Initially, these pseudoarchaeological ideas were most accessible through books, such as Erich Von Däniken’s Chariot of the Gods? (1968), which has sold over 65 million copies (Bond 2018). In recent decades, however, television and the internet have spread pseudoarchaeology to an increasingly large audience. Shows like Ancient Aliens comes immediately to mind.

In this evocative roundtable discussion concepts such as aliens, giants, and Atlanteans will combine with the most visible archaeological sites around the world, and the romantic fantasies generated that often offers a wider appeal than the boring truth. Yet often, the ideas behind pseudo- archaeology hold racist and even dangerous ideas. This year’s roundtable brings together scholars who study this phenomenon to help explain not only the motivations behind these theories but also why they are so attractive to us.

IAIS is proud to be hosting this event online! There will be many discussions about different sites in the Americas, and research being done to uncover them in an effort to increasing access to a public looking for answers. The goal is to find innovative ways to share real archaeological research and to discuss the pitfalls of pseudoarchaeology.

Medicinal Monday...Wild About Fox Grapes

You may have heard about fox grapes through the "grapevine" while watching the Insititute's new video, Foraging for Wild Grapes. This fascinating four-minute video talks about Concord and Fox grapes and tells you how and where to forage them. To check out the video click here. Native Americans found late summer and early autumn grapes useful in so many surprising ways.

About Fox Grapes

In the Vitis or grapevine genus, Vitis labrusca or the fox grape is native to eastern North America including Connecticut. Fox grapes are a source of many grape cultivators including Concord, Delaware, and Catawba, as well as hybrid grape varieties such as Agawam, Alexander, and Onaka. The majority of Vitis labrusca varieties are red and produce strongly flavored wine. The fox grape variety is considered "slip skin" grapes because when squeezed gently between two fingers, the thick skin slides off leaving the pulp intact as a round ball. 

This woody deciduous vine climbs by tendrils on adjacent plants and trees, and sprawl horizontally over low-growing shrubs. The leathery palmate leaves have three lobes that are hairless and directly across from a forked tendril with flowers or fruit. The underside of the leaves is fuzzy with brown-gray hairs that tend to fade away with age. The flowers have five petals and blooms in the late spring or early summer. Fertile female flowers are replaced by berries that are arranged in drooping panicles. The round berries are bluish-black and on the inside, they have juicy flesh and several seeds. Their flavor runs from sweet-tart to sweet with musky overtones. Wild Grapes are found in lowland to upland forests, near thickets, along roadsides, fences meadows, sandy hills, and along riverbanks. They prefer sun and deep rich moist well-drained soil. The trunk of the vine is brown and very shredded; mature trunks are light to reddish-brown and smooth.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Many Native Americans cultivated and used grapes as a source of food. Leaves and berries were also used for dyes and the vines were used for weaving or making rope.

They also used wild grapes for a number of medicinal remedies. The Cherokees made both tonics and infusions from grapes for relief from diarrhea, urinary tract infections, liver pain, and indigestion. Wilted leaves were used to reduce breast tenderness after childbirth and a decoction of bark was used to wash a child's mouth out for thrush. The Mohegan made a poultice of leaves to treat headaches and other aches and pains. To help conception along in horses, the Iroquois would mix a decoction of grapevine roots with their feed. 

Did You Know...

The foxy smell of the grapes is used to describe the unique earthy and sweet musky aroma emitted from these grapes. Foxy does not refer to the animal when describing these grapes!

In the 19th century, Ephraim Bull of Concord Massachusetts cultivated seeds from wild labrusca vines to create the Concord grape. He won first prize in 1853 at the Boston Horticultural Exhibition for the Concord Grape and in 1954 introduced it to the market. In 1869, Dr. Thomas Bramwell Welch developed the first Concord grape juice in his house from this grape.

The fox grape was probably the grape sighted by Norse explorers from Greenland when they named this maritime area Vineland.

The word grape is from the Frankish graper, to pick grapes came from Old High German krapfo meaning hook; the fruit was named for the hook used to harvest it.

If you go searching for wild grapes, be careful not to mistake it for Moonseed. This plant has similar leaves to a wild grape but it is poisonous. A moonseed's fruit has one seed in the shape of a crescent moon.

Medicinal Monday - Fanciful and Delicious Hen of the Woods!

Found in Europe, Asia, and the United States, especially in the Northeast, including Connecticut, the Grifola frondosa mushroom, commonly called "hen of the woods" has been prized by people from around the world for centuries. It is widely appreciated for its culinary and medicinal properties.

Watch A Foraging Video from IAIS

In the Institute's continuing video series on foraging and other pursuits of the Institute, watch Staff Educator, Griffin Kalin as he forages for and explains how to identify the hen of the woods mushroom. To watch the video click here.

About Hen of the Woods

This mushroom, also called Maitake grows on dead or dying trees and is usually found on the stumps or at the base of the tree. Grifola frondosa is a polypore, named because of the many pores that this group of mushrooms has on the underside of its cap and from where its spores are dispersed. Like all mushrooms, it is a parasite and most commonly feeds off a host tree, that is usually an oak but can also be other deciduous trees and sometimes conifers. The part of this mushroom that is eaten is the fruiting body composed of layers of ruffles resembling the feathers of a hen. The edible body is part of a much larger organism that resides underground as an extensive network of a fine filamentous vegetative structure called a mycelium. This subterranean structure sends up the fruiting body to release spores. People can harvest the fruiting body without hurting the mycelium which is why this mushroom can be found in the same place year after year. 

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Native American communities all over America have known and used a variety of indigenous fungi, including the hen of the woods in every imaginable manner. The odor of this mushroom is pleasant and nutlike and is said to taste like chicken. It is thought that many Native American communities would grill or use this mushroom in a stew. Some mushroom uses were important and retained as a secret. Within certain Native Communities, sacred medicines were cloaked in secrecy in order to protect the medicine itself in order to assure the maximum strength and efficiency in working the desired cure. Today we know that the hen of the wood mushroom supports immune health and is noted for its antiviral effects. It contains a variety of beta-glucans, minerals, and amino acids. Recent studies have found that this mushroom has a unique set of sugars and proteins that can attack and suppress malignant cancer cells.

Did You Know

The Latin genus name Grifola is derived from a mythical Greek creature, the griffin, which has the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. This association was made because it was thought that the fruiting body of this mushroom resembled the feathers of an eagle or the mane of a lion.

Maitake was a highly valued commodity in feudal Japan, where local lords would trade their subjects an equivalent weight in silver for maitake. Thus, the name “dancing mushroom” stems from the Japanese commoners who would dance for joy when they found maitake, knowing they would be greatly compensated for their discovery. 

Approximately 2000 years ago, maitake was used as a Chinese medicine called Keisho and was used to improve the health of the spleen and stomach.

There are some similar-looking species that are toxic. 

Live Snake Demonstration @ Institute for American Indian Studies

As a grand finale to the Institute for American Indian Studies temporary exhibition “Skug” that is about snakes in the Eastern Woodlands, they are hosting two live snake presentations on Saturday, October 24 at the Institute located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington. In order to provide safe and interactive sessions for participants in both sessions, there will be two presentations, one at 1 p.m. and a second at 2:30 p.m.

 There are many reasons why people fear snakes. It may be because of their predatory nature or the way they slither underfoot or, how they are portrayed in myths and folktales. The live snake demonstration hosted by the Institute hopes to dispel the myths associated with these often-misunderstood reptiles. During this fascinating demonstration, staff from Riverside Reptile Educational Center will bring participants up close to a variety of snakes from a giant python that weighs almost 100 pounds to a Copperhead, one of two venomous snakes found in Connecticut. 

 The best way to coexist with snakes is to learn about them, which is one of the main points of this live demonstration. This interactive and engaging animal encounter teaches people about the biology of snakes, their habitats, and the conservation efforts that are or should be in place to protect them. Masks are required inside the museum and outdoors on the grounds when you are within six feet of other visitors, staff, or presenters. 

 The cost to participate in this live demonstration is $5 for members of the Institute, $20 for non-member adults, and $15 non-member children. Reservations are required for this event by calling the Institute at 860-868-0518 or emailing general@iaismuseum.org. This is a popular event so make your reservations today. 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies 

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT

Medicinal Monday...Nasty or Nice? Nettles!

There are thirty types of nettles worldwide and there are two types found in the U.S., stinging nettle and California nettle. The stinging nettle plant plays a role in traditional Native American herbal medicine as well as in ceremonies. In the Pacific Northwest, for example, men rubbed nettles on their bodies in fishing, whaling, and seal hunting rituals. Stinging nettles sometimes appear in Native American legends as comic relief, where a trickster ends up tumbling into nettles. Stinging nettle is often associated with the coyote, and they have a long history as a source for traditional medicine, food, tea, and even textiles.

About Stinging Nettles

Urtica dioica is also known as stinging nettle or common nettle. It is a herbaceous perennial flowering plant that was originally native to Europe but is now found all over the world. Stinging nettle grows to the height of three feet. Its dull green stem and leaves are covered with stinging hairs that pierce the skin and emit an acrid fluid that causes pain when touched. The stinging hairs are called trichomes that act like hypodermic needles that inject histamine, acetylcholine, serotonin, and formic acid that produce a stinging sensation on contact. The leaves are slightly heart-shaped and have a strongly serrated margin. They bear tiny greenish - yellow-colored flowers that can usually be seen June - September before forming seeds. This plant spreads by rhizomes as well as by seed. Given moist rich soil it thrives in sunny meadows, near woodland brooks and marshes, and along roadside ditches.

Medicinal Uses of Stinging Nettle

The Cherokee and Lakota make an infusion of the roots of the stinging nettle plant and take this for stomach pain. Many Native communities use stinging nettle for its analgesic properties. The Hesquiat rub nettles on their body for aches and pains and a poultice of steamed leaves and roots are used to treat arthritic legs and ankles. The Kwakiutl rub the plant on the skin for chest pain and used the fiber from the plant to treat headaches. The juice of the plant was rubbed onto the head to prevent hair loss by the Thompson and Kwakiutl. The Nitinaht whip their body with this plant to relieve arthritis, and the Okanagan-Colville beat their skin with fresh plants after emerging from a sweathouse to treat arthritis. The Shuswap make a decoction of stems and roots and use this liquid in a sweat bath to relieve aches and pains. The Woodland Cree make a decoction of this plant to keep blood from flowing after childbirth and the Kwakiutl give an infusion of this plant to women to induce labor. Many communities enjoy drinking a tonic of fresh spring leaves to purify the blood. In sweat lodges, several tribes burned stinging nettle leaves to treat the flu.

The Lakota rub the leaves on a fishing line to give the line a green color. It is also used as a medicine for good fishing. The Iroquois made a compound of this plant and snake blood and used it as a witchcraft medicine. In the Kawaiisu tribe, stinging nettles were combined with other herbs and considered to be a source of dream power. A person that wanted a medicine vision would walk through nettle plants so that the stings would prepare him or her for the dreams. Many Native Americans including the Winnebago, Omaha, Menominee, and Subarctic people wove nettle clothing. Several communities used nettle to make fishing nets.

Did You Know...

Soaking the stinging nettles in water or cooking them removes the stinging chemicals from the plant which allows them to be eaten and handled without a sting.

The Scots and Irish use young leaves for greens and the French prepare several different dishes from the tops of this plant.

Nettles have evolved stings to prevent them from being eaten by animals.

Nettle was used in folk veterinary medicine in Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy. It was administered to chickens and turkeys to stimulate growth.

It is used to stimulate farmed fish immunity on some intensive fish farms.

Nettles can be harvested for eating at any time except when flowering or seeding.

The most common European use of nettles is to pound the stalks of nettle to extract fibers that can be used to make textiles.

Celebrate International Archaeology with Artifact ID and More October 17 @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 

October 17 is International Archaeology Day, a celebration of all things archaeology organized by the Archaeological Institute of America, the largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology founded in 1879. There will be more than 800 organizations worldwide participating in this exciting event including the Institute for American Indian Studies, 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut. 

 The study of archeology and Native American culture is a core function of the Institute’s mission of stewardship and preservation. Over the years the Institute has surveyed or excavated over 500 archaeological sites. “International Archaeology Day is the chance for the Institute for American Indian Studies to advance awareness of the elements of archeological research such as fieldwork, preservation, publication, and education of archeological sites; and the cultural heritage of Native Americans,” said Chris Combs, Executive Director. 

 To join the celebration, head to the Institute on Saturday, October 17 for a series of games, and activities that will help participants understand how archaeology helps to inform our study of Native lifeways. Discover the importance of excavation techniques, field notes, and more. Archaeology is more than just objects. It is a link to the people and culture of the past that can help to inform us in the present. 

 A highlight of the day is Artifact Identification that will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. People with artifacts are encouraged to sign up for a time slot with the Institute’s Research Department for a private Artifact I.D. session. Although staff cannot appraise or speculate about the value of an object, they can talk about the what, who, when, where, and how of your mystery items. The Artifact I.D. sessions are limited to 12 stone artifacts or Northeastern Native American cultural items. To register for a private Artifact ID session, call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. 

 Activities will take place throughout the day. Masks must be worn in the museum and outside when you are within six feet of other visitors or staff. The cost of this event and all activities is free with the price of admission that is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $6 for children. 

 About the Institute for American Indian Studies

 Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT

Medicinal Monday...Honey Mushrooms

 Early accounts of Native American communities note that they enjoyed eating mushrooms. There are numerous examples of dried mushrooms that have been threaded on sticks in the Institute's collections. One mushroom that appears in the fall, usually when yellow leaves fall from the trees is the honey mushroom. Don't miss our video on Foraging in the Forest for Honey Mushrooms. https://www.facebook.com/IAISMuseum/videos/449700365968823. This mushroom has several lookalikes that can make you very sick, and one is deadly so don't eat them if you have not properly identified them.

About Honey Mushrooms

This small gold and white mushroom is a genus composed of several types of parasitic fungi that grow on wood. Armillaria, the honey mushrooms scientific name is made up of ten different species of mushroom. This genus of mushroom can be found in temperate regions in Asia, Europe, and North America, including Connecticut. Most often they are found growing next to hardwood trees because they feed on dead plant material. 

Honeys can cause white fungus rot in trees. Honey fungus spreads from living trees, dead and live roots, and stumps by means of reddish-brown roots. Thin sheets of mycelium (the bacterial colony) beneath the bark, at the base of the trunk, or stem indicate that honey fungus is the pathogen. Honey mushrooms can be identified by stems that grow together in tight clusters and range in color from bright white to yellowish tan. Some have a ring under the steam, others are ringless, they have no bulb around the base of the stem. All ringless honeys should have a small textured area of darker coloration in the middle of each cap. Underneath the mushroom, the gills run down the stem, if the gills are separate from the stem they are not ringless honeys. Gills are white or light beige. They typically grow in clusters of up to 20-50 mushrooms. Honey mushrooms must be thoroughly cooked because they are mildly poisonous raw. They have a mild sweet taste along with a chewy texture.

Medicinal Benefits

Honey Mushrooms are good for you because they are rich in polysaccharides from natural sources. They help to keep the immune system working at its optimal level and stimulates the immune system by boosting the activity of natural "killer" cells that protect the body from bacteria and viruses. A British study found that the polysaccharides found in Honey Mushrooms also enhance brain function against neurodegenerative disorders and that they decreased the build-up of specific proteins linked to Alzheimer's.

The honey mushroom can be found on the Institute's property and throughout New England and can be harvested in great quantities in the fall. It is doubtful that this wonderful food resource was overlooked by earlier Native people that were so keyed into the available natural resources around them.

Did You Know...

Honey Mushrooms have a long life span and form some of the largest colonies in the world.

One of the largest colonies of honey mushrooms is found in the Blue Mountains of Oregon where they span more than 3.4 miles across this landscape.

The deadly Galerina mushroom can be mistaken for the honey mushroom. This mushroom is smaller and usually dark brown with tan gills and a convex cap that flattens with maturity. There is no cure for Galerina poisoning and just one-quarter of one cap can kill a grown adult.

The honey fungus has the ability to glow in the dark. The light-producing part is the mycelium, the threadlike roots that branch out underground that allow this mushroom to feed and grow. They are some of the mushrooms responsible for "firefox" the bioluminescence in forests at night due to fungi on rotting wood.