Poaceae Zea mays L.

Corn

Navajo - Other, Ceremonial Items

Use documented by:
Elmore, Francis H., 1944, Ethnobotany of the Navajo, Sante Fe, NM. School of American Research, page 30

View all documented uses for Zea mays L.

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Scientific name: Zea mays L.
USDA symbol: ZEMAM2 (View details at USDA PLANTS site)
Common names: Corn
Family: Poaceae
Family (APG): Poaceae
Native American Tribe: Navajo
Use category: Other
Use sub-category: Ceremonial Items
Notes: Cornmeal mush used to make images for ceremonies. In the Bead Chant, an image of a wildcat was made of sweet corn; in the Mountain Chant, an image of the bear was made of sweet corn; and in the Coyote Chant, effigies of a coyote and a kit fox were made in sweet corn; other images such as the dog, chicken, cat and pig were also reproduced in sweet corn. To make these animals, a stiff mush was made of corn, which was kneaded to the desired shape, omitting the extremities such as tail, ears and feet. White shell, turquoise and cannel coal was used for the eyes.

RECRD: 2686 id: 44470

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