MONOCOTYLEDONOUS SPECIES
The fibers from monocotyledonous plants, as identified, are listed here. Approximately five hundred objects were sampled, so the frequencies for the several species should be given that denominator.
The palmetto (Sabal palmetto, Walt.) seems to have been an article of commerce as it was used by the Winnebago and the Iroquois, north of its northern limit of distribution. It was also used by the Cherokee. The Winnebago used the fiber in the production of stiff cords for their bags. In three bags in the American Museum the stiff cords are made from this material (50-7531). For burden straps the Iroquois used this fiber to produce stiff strong cords which were covered with cotton or other soft fiber (AMNH 50.1-1954). The Cherokee used it in the manufacture of basketry (AMNH 50.1-2141).
This Florida moss (Tillandsia usneoides, L.) was found in specimens from the Southern States only. The Koasati and the people who built certain mounds in Florida used it frequently. A specimen in the United States National Museum from the Parish Mound, Number 2, in Florida, consisted of a bunch of loose material. The Koasati material is in the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, and is represented by fibers from a blanket and threads on a spindle (1-8551).
Yucca (Yucca arkansana, Trelease) was encountered in one specimen from the Arkansas Bluff culture in a bundle of loose fiber (MAIHF 11-7429).
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa, L.) was found once in a heavy cord made by the cave and shelter people of Ohio (OSHAM 332-42)
Nolina georgiana, Michx., was found in two specimens, a moccasin (OSHAM 332) and a bristle-like fiber from the Spiro Mound (2718-K, Trowbridge Collection). It is possible that this plant may have been used very frequently in objects from caves and rock-shelters. It was not always convenient, however, to examine complete objects so that some occurrences of its use may have been overlooked, especially since these people commonly mixed several fibers. In the specimen in question, for example (OSHAM 332),Nolina georgianaandEryngium yuccaefoliumwere identified. Similar combinations of fibers from widely different plants have also been noted; frequently, as in the example cited, a local plant was mixed with one found at a great distance.
Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana, L.) was encountered in only one specimen, a bag made by the Potawatomi Indians (AMNH 50.1-7096).
The grass family was the most commonly and widely used of any of the monocotyledonous families.
Big blue stem grass (Andropogon furcatus, Muhl.) was one of the major fibrous plants used by the cave and rock-shelter peoples of Ohio in the construction of coarsely woven articles, such as rope and moccasins. It was commonly used without preliminary treatment, but was simply twisted or braided into strands. The specimens examined were from the Ohio State Historical and Archaeological Museum. A typical example of the use of this fiber is in a woven moccasin (OSHAM 898-1).
Sweet grass (Hierochloe odorata, L.), to be distinguished from sweet vernal grass, was encountered only once in a bag made by the Michigan Ottawa Indians (MAIHF 19-7125).
Canebrake (Arundinaria tecta, Muhl.) was a common source of fiber for moccasins and rope. It seems to have been utilized by most of the prehistoric cave and rock-shelter peoples within its range (OSHAM 332-27).
The cat-tail (Typha latifolia, L.) was observed in a mat found in the caves of Tennessee (USNM 132252).
Indian corn occurred only once. This single occurrence has no real significance as to the frequency of its use, for all specimens in which it was obvious that corn was the material used were not sampled. The sample noted here was found in a knife made by the Micmac Indians (McGU H76). The material was a cornstalk which had been subjected to considerable pressure to force out the juice and pith to bring the hardy flinty layers into juxtaposition. It was then used as a wedge to fasten the knife handle. It was extremely hard and durable.
The above are the monocotyledons encountered in this survey, in all some twenty-four objects using this material. It should be noted that these materials are readily adaptable to use since they need very little preparation and are frequently used entire. Sometimes the fiber is removed from the surrounding materials by simply letting them ret. Yucca andTillandsiaare ordinarily used entire. The grasses were used as they were gathered, simply twisted or braided.Tillandsiais the only plant of this group which was used for the manufacture of fabrics as in the blanket above noted (p.7). The specimen of cornstalk was an exception and its preparation was evidently for a specific purpose.
Palmetto fiber is especially adaptable. At the base of the leaves, where they join the main stem is a large mass of more or less loose or loosely interwoven fibrous material which needs only straightening to be ready for use.