Finger Weaving Workshop offers Native American Instruction @ Institute for American Indian Studies - September 23

Most archeologists believe that the art of basket making is one of the oldest crafts in the world. In Native American culture, baskets have always been an integral part of their material culture.  For centuries Native Americans have relied on baskets for gathering, storing, preparing, and cooking food. Finger weaving is one of several techniques used among Eastern Woodland Indigenous peoples to make baskets as well as an array of decorative and ceremonial items.

Learn how to make this basket with traditional methods

On Saturday, September 23 at 1 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is holding a finger-weaving basket workshop, ideal for those that want to learn this traditional art form.  “We think that experiences learning about cultural art forms is important because it gives people insight into Native American culture, “  said Chris Combs, Executive Director.

 The focus of September's class is on the art of finger weaving using natural fibers like jute and raffia. Participants will join Pokanoket Nation and Tribe member, Eva Newell of Cape Sable Island Wampanoag, Nauset, and Cree ancestry for this finger-weaving workshop.

 

The essence of finger weaving is that it is like an elaborate braid where you move the warp and weft threads with your fingers in order to create beautiful baskets. What makes finger weaving unique is that the same threads are used for both warp and weft; they just change places as you work. In this finger-weaving workshop, two of the most important things participants will learn are how to position their fingers and the best way to hold their hands. Each participant will take home a small finger woven traditionally inspired coil basket.

After it is made, have fun embellishing it!

This workshop is recommended for those 12 and older because of the patience and dexterity required for this project. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. The cost of the workshop, which includes all materials, is $35 for non-members and $30 for members. To register visit http://iaismuseum.org, For questions, email events@iaismuseum.org.

Medicinal Monday - Oyster Plant

The Oyster Plant is a member of the Aster family that was introduced to North America by Europeans in the 18th century and today it is found in every U.S. state but Hawaii. The entire plant can be consumed and was by both Europeans and Native Americans. The Oyster Plant was originally introduced as a vegetable that was also used medicinally, making it unusual.

About the Oyster Plant

Growing up to four feet in height, Tragopogon porrifolius is native to the Mediterranean region and North Africa and is characterized by its thick taproot that is cooked as a vegetable and is said to have a taste that is similar to oysters. It has purple flowers that resemble lavender chicory blossoms. The grass-like leaves are somewhat kneeled and narrow and usually clasp the stem. The stems produce a milky juice. Feathery hairs are produced when the plant produces its fruit,  giving it the nickname, Purple Goat's Beard. The Oyster Plant is biennial and reproduces by seed. In the second year, the mauve-colored flowers bloom from April through August and have ray florets that resemble daisies. The seeds look like a dandelion puffball and the brownish seeds are easily dispersed by the wind.  The roots look similar to a long white parsnip that can grow up to eight inches long. The Oyster Plant is found just about everywhere from vacant lots and woodlands to grasslands and roadsides. 

Medicinal and Culinary Uses of the Oyster Plant

Oyster Plants are related to dandelions and chicory. The young roots of the oyster plant are eaten raw, and the more mature roots are often broiled or baked. The young flower stalks are cooked and eaten like asparagus and when the seeds are spouted they are eaten like alfalfa sprouts. The rubbery sap is collected by many Native American communities including the Thompson, and dried and then rolled into balls and chewed like gum. Some Native American communities including the Navajo use the sap as milk. The Okanagan broke the stems at their base and use the hardened juice as food.

The most common medicinal uses of the Oyster Pland were to solve digestive problems like indigestion and heartburn. Additionally, this plant was used to treat gallbladder obstructions, jaundice, and high blood pressure. Specifically, the Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion of this plant to treat coyote bites on humans and animals. A cold infusion was also used to treat sore throats. The Navajo Ramah also used this plant as a ceremonial emetic.

The Thompson used the fluffy pappus of the fruits to make "cotton stuffing" for pillows. The Navajo Ramah made a cold infusion and gave it to horses for internal injuries. 

Did You Know...

Other names of this plant are common salsify, Jack Go To Bed, Jerusalem Beard, Purple Salsify, Oat Root, and Vegetable Oyster Plant. 

This plant was popular in ancient Greece and was referred to as "billy goat's beard" because of its silky filaments that are on the end of the seeds.

The genus name, Tragopogon is derived from two Greek words. Tragos means goat and pogon means beard. 

The Oyster Plant was found in frescos in the ancient city ruins of Pompeii.

Medicinal Monday - Poison Sumac - A Virulent Weed

Poison Sumac looks deceivingly pretty especially in the fall with its bright red compound leaves and clusters of berries. Whatever you do, don't touch it! It is related to poison ivy and poison oak and will cause a terrible skin rash that swells and itches like crazy! Surprisingly, Native Americans figured out few ways to use this irksome plant that blankets the bogs and swamps and sometimes the woods of Connecticut and New England in general.

About Poison Sumac

Poison Sumac along with Poison Ivy and Poison Oak belongs to the cashew family. Poison sumac grows as a shrub or small tree and is found from Maine, south to Florida, and west to Texas. It thrives in wet soil and is most commonly encountered in swamps, marshes, and along the shorelines of rivers or ponds. This woody perennial averages five to six feet in height and can grow up to 25 feet. The oval leaves have smooth edges and grow in groups of seven to thirteen, with a single leaf on the end. The leaf stems are always red and the bark is grey and smooth. Small yellow flowers develop into pale yellow or creme-colored berries that droop in clusters. Plants reproduce from the seeds in the berries. 

These plants are poisonous if eaten and cause skin irritation to humans at all times of the year and at all stages of growth. All parts of the plant, except the pollen, contain urushiol, a toxin that causes irritation and blistering of the skin. To cause injury, urushiol must contact the skin, either directly by touching the plant, or indirectly by touching things that have touched the plant such as clothing, tools, animals, or firewood. 

Medicinal Uses of Poison Sumac

Although the Cherokee considered this shrub to be poisonous they used it in several interesting ways.  They used some form of this plant as a wash for ulcers and to treat fevers. They also used this plant to treat ulcerated bladders and took it for respiratory problems. There is no documentation on how this plant was used or what part was used to treat these illnesses. We do know that its milky juice was used to induce blistering.

Did You Know...

The sap of this shrub can be used to make a black varnish used in woodworking.

Bobwhites, pheasants, and grouse consume the fruits in the winter.

Poison Sumac belongs to the genus Toxicodendron whose name comes from the Greek word "toxic tree."

Other names for poison sumac include poison elder, poison dogwood, and poison ash.

Savor Indigenous Foods @ the Founders Clambake September 16 With the Institute for American Indian Studies

 Lobsters, clams, corn, and potatoes are all hallmarks of Indigenous foods and every September, the Institute for American Indian Studies celebrates the bounty of New England and its waterways with a Founders Clambake. This year, on Saturday, September 16, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. the public is invited to the annual Founders Clambake. The location for the event is 11 a School Street in Washington Depot.

Guests will experience a sumptuous seafood feast while enjoying drumming and dancing performed by the members of the Redhawk Indigenous Arts Council. Traditional dances are combined with stories that have thrilled audiences around the globe and are sure to be the highlight of this event. In addition to being invited to dance with the troupe, guests will have the opportunity to meet the dancers and learn about the importance of dancing, regalia, and music to indigenous peoples.

Brought back by popular demand, the Institute is also holding a Silent Auction during the clambake. Auction items will be on display during this event and winning bids will be announced after the dancers’ performance.

To attend this festive event that gives thanks to the many members, visitors, and volunteers who have made this museum a success for 45 years register online at https://www.iaismuseum.org by September 14. Tickets are $60 per person for members and $65 for non-members and include a lobster dinner. A children’s menu is offered for $10 and includes hot dogs, chips, and lemonade. No tickets will be sold at the door.

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 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

 

About the Redhawk Indigenous Arts Council

Formed in 1994, this non-profit organization founded by Native American artists and educators is dedicated to educating the general public about Native American heritage through song, dance, works of art, and other cultural expressions.

 

 

Medicinal Monday - Viper's Bugloss

This plant certainly has an intimidating moniker - Viper's Bugloss...and for a very good reason...every part of the plant is poisonous! The toxic effects of the alkaloids of ingesting this plant are cumulative and lead to liver failure after several months of ingestion. And, even, contact with the foliage of this plant can cause skin irritations. It is hard to believe that Native American communities found a medicinal use for this plant... but they did!

About Viper's Bugloss

Echlum vulgare also known as Viper's Bugloss is in the borage family that originated in Europe and western and central Asia and was introduced to northeastern North America as well as southwestern South America and New Zealand's North and South Islands. This plant is an upright annual characterized by dense cylindrical spikes of bell-shaped vibrant violet-blue flowers that have protruding red stamens that look like the forked tongue of a snake. The red-flecked stalk that resembles the skin of a snake rises from a basal clump of lance-shaped leaves that have bristly hairs. They bloom from late spring through early fall. The flowers turn into seed pods that resemble viper heads before the plant dies. Viper's Bugloss spreads by self-seeding. This plant is drought resistant and prefers poor soil.

Medicinal Uses

Many Native American communities used an infusion of the roots of this plant as a diuretic. Another common use was to use the juice of the whole plant for bites and wounds. As its name implies, it was also used to treat snakebites. Specifically, the Cherokee made a compound of this plant and took it as a urinary diuretic aid. They also use the seeds as beads when making jewelry. The Iroquois made a compound infusion of the roots to help expel the placenta after giving birth. The Mohegans made an infusion of the root and took it as a diuretic and in the treatment of fevers. A red dye was also obtained from the roots of this plant.

Did You Know...

In the language of flowers, Viper's Bugloss symbolizes falsehood which is thought to relate to its snake-like nature.

Other names for Viper's Bugloss are Adderwort, Blue Devil, Blue Thistle, Cat's Tail, North American Blueweed, Snake Flower, Viper's Grass, and Viper's Herb.

This plant is toxic to horses. 

Viper's Bugloss is one of the best honey bee plants in the world because of the copious amounts of nectar and pollen it produces over several months. Viper's Bugloss may produce up to 300 to 1000 pounds of honey per acre!

Medicinal Monday - Spinulose Wood Fern

In the warm months, it seems that ferns grow prolifically. Spinulose woodfern is a bright green fern that grows in moist woodlands and is part of the Dryopteris family. It is a beautiful fern that has lacy fronds and grows in a classic vase shape. The leaves of this fern are more intricate than most ferns because of their complex structure and toothed margins. It can be found in Connecticut and is named because its leaves have tiny spines on their tips. Interestingly, this fern is native to both North America and Europe. It was used by many indigenous peoples although few records exist on exactly how this fern was used. 

About Dryopteris carthusiana 

This perennial fern is native to New England and the mid-West states of the United States. It has spread across Canada and can be found in the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and as far north as Alaska. In the northern part of their range, they are deciduous and in the southern part of their range, they are evergreen.  It grows naturally in swamps and wet woods in clumps and tolerates both full and partial shade. It typically consists of 5 ascending oblong-shaped lanceolate toothed leaflets. The leaves are composed of multiple separate parts that are divided into leaflets. Basically, each frond has primary leaflets that are composed of secondary leaflets that are sometimes composed of a third series of leaflets, making these ferns tripinnate. An important identifying characteristic is that the bottom leaflets are usually longer than their second or third subleaflets.

The bottom of the leaflets has mounds of yellow-brown sori (spore-bearing structure) which is the reproductive area of this fern. Once they become dark and the membranes open, a black powder is released. The spores are usually released by the wind during late summer or fall. As the cold weather approaches, the leaves become less erect and tend to sprawl on the ground. The root system is fibrous and rhizomatous.

Medicinal Uses 

Many Native Americans baked the roots of this fern in pits and pounded them to make a poultice to put on cuts and wounds. Some soaked the leaves and used them to wash their hair. Most commonly the root was used to treat internal parasites such as roundworms and tapeworms. In Alaska, many indigenous people roasted the stalks and ate the inner portion, they also boiled the young curled fronds. The Bella Coola ate the root as an antidote for poison from eating shellfish.

Did You Know

Another name for this fern is the Tootheed Wood Fern. 

The name of this fern, Dryopteris is from Greek, dryas, meaning oak, and pteris meaning fern because some of these ferns were found in woodland areas populated by oak trees. 

The Spinulose Wood Fern was identified in 1777 by Johann Fredrich Cartheuser, a physician and naturalist.

In the United Kingdom, this fern is known as narrow buckler fern.

White-tail deer and ruffled grouse sometimes eat their leaves in the winter when other food sources are scarce. 

Paddle Into the Past - Dugout Canoe Rides on Lake Waramaug With the Institute for American Indian Studies

Have you ever wanted to paddle into the past? On Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warren Town Beach (26D) North Shore Road in New Preston on beautiful Lake Waramaug, you can try your paddling skills in an authentically recreated dugout canoe with the Institute for American Indian Studies. 

Canoes have been used for transportation, fishing, and recreation by indigenous peoples worldwide for centuries. In the Eastern Woodlands, dugout canoes were the major form of transportation for Native Americans for thousands of years. If you have ever wondered how a burned-out log could float on water and what it would feel like to ride in a traditional Native American canoe, don’t miss the “Can You Canoe” event! 

Traditional Native American canoes were constructed out of a single log using a scorch and strip technique in which the builder used controlled burning and stone chiseling tools to carve out the center of the log. In Eastern North America, most dugout canoes were made from a single log of chestnut or pine. They were often small, light, and fast and used for hunting and transportation. Many of the canoes recovered in the northeast United States date back 5,000-plus years! However, archeologists believe that they were most likely constructed and used thousands of years earlier. Interestingly, all of the canoes discovered in New England were found submerged which helped to preserve them. 

The canoe that will be used during this event belongs to the Institute for American Indian Studies and is reconstructed using traditional techniques by Jeff Kalin. Because they have been made within the last few years, they can be safely taken out for a ride on occasion. The highlight of this event is to experience how differently a traditional Native American canoe glides through the water as compared to modern canoes that are often feather-light and made of fiberglass. Each participant that takes a ride will receive a commemorative sticker for paddling into the past. 

Pre-registration is required and can be made at http://www.iaismuseum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or emailing events@iaismuseum.org. Please reserve a time slot when registering online. The cost is $10 for members of the museum and $15 for non-members. If you are attending on the day of the event, only cash or a check will be accepted. 

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 a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow 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 at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.