When Glaciers Melt - First Settlers of Connecticut

The new exhibit at the Institute for American Indian Studies located in Washington traces how Connecticut's first settlers found their way here as the glaciers.  It is a rare opportunity to learn about the Connecticut environment, and the way people and animals lived here more than 10,000 years ago. A highlight of this exhibit is an extensive display of the Templeton Dig Site, one of the oldest in southern New England, found in Washington, Connecticut. The exhibit, When Glaciers Melt - First Settlers of Connecticut will be on display in the Institute's special exhibition hall through mid.-November.

It is hard to envision that 21,000 years ago, much of the Northeast was covered under two miles of glacial ice. As the environment changed an ice-free corridor emerged in the western area of the United States and people began to migrate south across the Bering Strait. Eventually, they made their way to the Northeast. By the time settlers reached Connecticut, the average temperature was only 13 degrees colder than it is today! The receding glacial waters left a nutrient-rich soil that provided the perfect environment for the development of Paleoindian lifeways.

This exhibit illustrates how the first settlers in Connecticut lived. They are classified as hunter-gatherers and would follow migratory herds across the landscape and would forage for food such as strawberries, blueberries, and other seeds. The display on flintknapping is particularly interesting because it shows the reduction sequence of how rocks were broken down to form smaller pieces that would be used as tools such as projectiles and knives. One of the surprises of this exhibit is the number of different types of rocks used in flintknapping that came from places as far away as Pennsylvania, Eastern New York, and Rhode Island. 

Another section of the exhibit details the Paleoindian environment that includes the presence of very large plants, trees, and animals. One of the most astounding animals showcased is a giant beaver that grew to the size of a black bear! This display makes an excellent photo opportunity for young and old alike! At some point both our modern-day smaller beavers and these giant beavers co-existed. Unfortunately, the giant beavers were unable to change with the environment and they went extinct around 10,000 years ago.

The centerpiece of the exhibit is the display regarding the Templeton Dig Site in Washington. Templeton is Connecticut's first known Paleoindian site and, until recently it was the oldest site in all of southern New England. This exhibit includes explanations of why this site is so important, how it was excavated, what was found, an example of the tools excavators used, and plans for future excavations. A second display, the Brian B. Jones dig site located in Avon, Connecticut is also examined and discussed.

Medicinal Monday - Simply Smartweed!

Polygonum is a genus of 130 species of flowering plants in the buckwheat and knotweed family. As a plant that grows in the northern climate, the Algonquin and the Paiute found medicinal and culinary uses for this handy plant. Smartweed is an herb and the entire plant was sometimes used to make medicine. It has a long history of herbal use in both the East and West as it came to the U.S. from Eurasia in the 1800s.

About Smartweed

There are 46 species in the genus Polygonum in the northeastern United States and smartweed is one of them. It is not easy to tell the species apart. One distinguishing characteristic of smartweed is that its flowers are in spike-like terminal clusters whereas, in knotweed, the flowers are clustered on the axils of the leaves. The leaves of this plant are simple and spear-like and grow on a thick section of the stem, with the base of the leaf forming a sheath over the stem where they join. The flowers of this plant are pink or white and bloom from June - November in elongated clusters. The plant can be found in shallow water in ponds and in wetlands.

Medicinal and Culinary Uses

Smartweed is an herb and contains chemicals that are thought to help stop bleeding. The Algonkian made a smartweed tea to stop bleeding from hemorrhoids, and to treat diarrhea and menstrual bleeding. They also used the leaves to wash bloody wounds and to treat them. Smartweed contains warfarin (coumadin) which is used to slow blood clotting. Another use for the tea was as a foot soak for pain in the legs and feet. A poultice was made out of the entire plant and applied to treat poison ivy, rashes, and general pain.

In the culinary area, this plant has a peppery taste and is used for seasoning stews. It should be used with caution because it can overwhelm like cayenne pepper, it is hot! The Algonquins also cook the young tender leaves of this plant and eat them in moderation.

Did You Know...

Polygonum is Greek for many knees. This plant got its name because it has many freely branching stems and joints.  

The juice from this plant may cause dermatitis.

If you crush a bunch of smartweeds and put them in a small body of water it will force fish to float to the top because it interrupts their oxygen intake.

A golden yellow dye can be obtained from the stalk.

Medicinal Monday - Doveweed

 Doveweed or Croton setigerus hook is a small annual plant that is native to the dry regions of the western United States and northern Mexico. It has been naturalized elsewhere including Australia. Native American communities found several interesting medicinal uses for this small squat plant. 

About Dove Weed

This plant grows between four and twelve inches tall and has a variety of leaf sizes. The male flowers are very small and appear in clusters on the end of the branches. The female flowers are often singular and grow out of the axils of the upper branches. The entire plant is covered in dense hairs that appear to be soft, but in actuality, they are quite rough and can irritate the skin if not handled correctly. As a member of the spurge family, it has toxic attributes. Although it is not toxic to humans, ingesting any part of this plant is not recommended. 

Practical and Medicinal Uses

A chemical eremone called diterpenes found in the plant is said to stun fish. For this reason, Native Americans such as the Klamath, Mendocino, Mahuna, and Paiute tribes would crush the plants and use them to kill or stun fish in shallow water.

The Concow used a decoction of this plant as a bath to treat chills and fever. They also make a poultice out of fresh bruised leaves and applied it to the chest to treat internal pains. The Pomo and Concow made a decoction of the roots to treat dysentery. The Kawalisu used a decoction of this plant as a wash to treat headaches and also took an infusion to treat heart palpitations. 

Did You Know...

If this plant is eaten by livestock, the plants will form an indigestible mass in their gut which can become life-threatening if not removed.

Pollinators including honey bees drink nectar from the female flowers of this plant that are usually hidden beneath the top layer of the leaves. Pollen is an important source of protein for many types of bees and wasps.

Another name for this plant is turkey mullein because they eat the seeds of this plant.

Learn How to Make Native American Leather Pouches @ Institute for American Indian Studies

 A Sunday afternoon is the ideal time to learn how to make your own leather Native American style pouch on October 17 @ the Institute for American Indian Studies. This in-person small group workshop has been organized in one-hour time slots from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Under the guidance of the museum’s Education Department, you’ll learn how Native Americans used leather for clothing, pouches, bags, and other items of daily life.

 

Native Americans historically used leather pouches to carry many of life’s necessities. Pouches were made from a variety of materials, some were woven, and others were made from the hides of different animals, most commonly deer.

 

Sign up for a workshop that is both educational and engaging, as you learn how to make your very own unique and practical leather pouch that you can decorate with buttons, stones, and shells. After you have completed your project, you may find that you have a newfound appreciation for the artistry that went into making some of the artifacts in the museum’s collections.

 

Sign up with your friends and family to reserve a timeslot by clicking here. For questions call 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org. The cost of participation including materials is $25 per person for non-members and $20 for members.

 

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Located on 15 acres of woodland IAIS is home to permanent and temporary exhibits, nature trails, and a replicated 16th century Replicated Algonkian village. During the school year, over 7,000 school-age children visit for hands-on programs to learn about the Indigenous people who have called Connecticut home for thousands of years.

 

16th Annual Native American Archaeology Roundtable October 30

On Saturday, October 30 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. the Institute for Native American Studies is hosting the 16th annual Native American Archaeology Roundtable via Zoom for just $10 per person. The focus of this important and informative session is suited for scholars and people that have an appreciation of how we study Native American culture and archeology today.  A highlight of this program is to explore the past, present, and future of Native American communities and the ongoing relationship between them and archeologists.

One of the greatest misconceptions of the 19th and 20th centuries was the regard by scholars of the indigenous people of North America as simple and primitive. It was believed that their culture was quickly disappearing all over the country. During this time period, most archeologists ignored Native American community leaders and excavated indigenous burials and other sacred sites. In 1990, this viewpoint began to change because of federal legislation that required archaeologists and museum officials to consult with federally recognized tribes about archaeological surveys, excavations, and artifacts.

As a result of this ongoing and evolving relationship with Native American communities, archeologists continue to develop non-invasive archaeological technologies that provide answers and enhanced perceptions while respecting the sites and artifacts. Balance is now considered to be of the utmost importance. This year's roundtable will focus on the present archeological practices and explore ways to reconcile and collaborate with mutual respect and understanding. 

The roster of scheduled speakers is impressive and includes Dr. Margaret Bruchac from the University of Pennsylvania, Rolf Cachat-Schilling from the Ethical Archeological Society, Brenda Geer from the Eastern Pequot/NAHAC, Bonney Hartley from Stockbridge Munsee-Mohican, Michael Johnson from the Mashantucket Pequot, Cathern Labadia from the State Historic Preservation Office, and Marissa Turnbull from the Mashantucket Pequot. The organizer and chair of this event is Dr. Lucianne Lavin, Director of Research and Collections at the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut.  Dr. Lavin is a member of Connecticut's Native American Heritage Advisory Council, the editor of the journal of the Archeological Society of Connecticut, and the author of several books including Connecticut's Indigenous Peoples that can be purchased at the Museum's gift shop. To register for this event click here.  The registration fee is $10. For additional information and questions, please call the Insititute at 860-868-0518 or email general@iaismuseum.org.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

The Institute for American Indian Studies preserves and educates through discovery and creativity the diverse traditions, vitality, and knowledge of Native American cultures. Located on 15 acres of woodland IAIS is home to permanent and temporary exhibits, nature trails, a replicated 16th century Replicated Algonkian village. During the school year, over 7,000 school-age children visit for hands-on programs to learn about the Indigenous people who have called Connecticut home for thousands of years.

Medicinal Monday... Leis and Hula - the Divine Scent of Maile of Hawaii

Alyxia oliviforis Gaud is a plant indigenous to the Islands of Hawaii. For centuries, leis have been made from the shiny fragrant leaves of maile (alyxia oliviforis Gaud) and are still popular today in a variety of ceremonies and dances. In addition to ceremonial use, it was also used medicinally.

About Alyxia oliviforis Gaud

The common name in Hawaii for this plant is Maile, and it is in the periwinkle family. It is a small trailing shrub that is usually found in the wet forests of Hawaii. Early Hawaiians recognized various forms of maile based on leaf size, shape, and fragrance, and even with the great variety of leaf shapes, they maintain their characteristic form. Since there is no difference in the flowers or fruit of this shrub, taxonomists have recognized all leaf forms as one species. Maile does well as an understory plant and grows easily with other native species. The small pinwheel-like flowers of this shrub can be white, orange, greenish-white, or yellow. Maile blooms in the fall and winter when fruiting also takes place. The dark purple fruit of this plant is shaped like olive and ooze a milky white sap when freshly picked.

Ceremonial Uses

Leis made from maile has been a tradition for centuries and one that continues to this very day. To make a lei the fragrant dark green leaves are left on the stem. The stem is stripped of bark which unleashes its vanilla-like fragrance and is tied together in knots. Maile is usually worn as an open-ended lei draped loosely around the shoulders. Possibly the oldest, and certainly one of the most popular leis, the maile lei is steeped in history and tradition. It is known as “The Royal Lei” because it was prized by ali‘i (Hawaiian royalty) and, today, it is given to denote honor and respect and used on many different occasions and in ceremonies.

Maile is associated with Laka, the goddess of hula, and was placed on Laka's alters in hula heiaus (temples). Many ancient chants celebrate its fragrance. In ancient times, maile was associated with courtship and marriage and during wedding ceremonies, the priest tied the hands of the bride and groom together with a strand of maile to symbolize their union.

Maile was also used as a peace offering after a battle. When peace was declared, the Chiefs would meet in a temple and weave a lei from maile to resolve their differences. When the lei was completed, peace was official.

Medicinal Uses

Maile was also used as a dermatological aid. An infusion of the pounded shrub was combined with several other plants and used in a sweat bath for yellow blotches on the skin.

Leaves are shiny and are fragrant when bruised or crushed. The flowers give off the same fragrance as the leaves, and stripped bark gives a sweet fragrance resembling vanilla. All parts of this plant contain coumarin which gives maile its pleasant scent.

Did You Know...

Maile's popularity has endured. In weddings, hand binding with maile leis is still popular. A maile lei is sometimes given as a sign of friendship and when dancing the hula, performers still wear maile lei in honor of their goddess. The maile leis of these performers are never given away.

Native birds such as the native thrush ʻōmaʻo (Myadestes spp.) eat the fruits, assisting in spreading maile throughout the native forests.

Different leaf forms of this shrub include maile haʻi wale (brittle maile); maile lau liʻi (small-leaved maile); maile lau liʻi liʻi (very small-leaved maile); maile lau nui (big-leaved maile); maile kaluhea (sweet maile); and maile pakaha (blunt-leaved maile).