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Native Americans relied on -- and utilized -- all the plants featured in this public garden.
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The Southwest Museum of Native American Art is ethno-botanical, that is, it contains indigenous plants traditionally used for different purposes in Native American life (i.e., dyes, baskets, housing or medicine). Rose Figueroa, a Native American crafts teacher, selects medicinal herbs from the garden to be used in dreamcatchers. Inherent in the Native American culture is a respect for nature and an understanding of humans' place in the natural world. First, before the herbs are taken from the garden, Figueroa thanks Mother Earth for her bounty. Later the herbs are blessed with ceremonial drums and dances before being used by Figueroa's class. (Dance, a vital part of the Native American culture, is used for blessing and celebration and was once used in preparation for battle.)
RESOURCES :
Buffalo Bird Woman's Garden: Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians
Model: 0873512197
Author: Gilbert L. Wilson
Native American Gardening: Stories, Projects and Recipes for Families
Model: 155591148X
Author: Michael J. Caduto, et al
Guide to Indian Herbs
Model: 0888390777
Author: Raymond Stark
A Handbook of Native American Herbs
Model: 0877736995
Author: Alma R. Hutchens
Flora of the Great Plains
Model: 070060295X
Author: The Great Plains Flora Association
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