An Ethnobotany of Firewood in Osage Big Moon Peyotism: Practical knowledge, ritual participation, and aesthetic preference
Daniel C. Swan, Lauren M. Simons
Ethnobotany Research and Applications August 24, 2014 DOI: 10.17348/era.12.0.325-339 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Osage Indian community of Osage County, northeastern Oklahoma, U.S.A. |
| Keywords | Firewood Ceremony Ethnobotany Context archaeology Traditional knowledge Preference Ecology Indigenous |
| Citations | 3 |
| Key findings | Firewood selection and preparation in the Big Moon Peyotism ceremony integrates botanical knowledge, ceremonial experience, and aesthetic criteria, and extends spiritual and social benefits to the Osage community. |
Abstract
This article examines firewood in the context of the modern practice of the Big Moon Peyote Religion by the Osage Indian community of Osage County, in northeastern Oklahoma, U.S.A. The fire and its ritual maintenance is a major component of the all night ceremony of Peyotism. The selection and preparation of the wood used in the ritual fire incorporates botanical knowledge, ceremonial experience, and aesthetic considerations to satisfy a range of preferences and criteria. We also discuss the manners in which firewood, through its ritual use and sacred properties, extends the spiritual benefit and social relationships of Peyotism to the greater Osage community.