The Natural World of the Gros Ventre/White Clay Indians

Names for natural objects, and associated cultural information

Compiled by Andrew Cowell, based on the work of Allan Taylor, Alfred Kroeber, J. Sifton, Regina Flannery, John Cooper, and their Gros

Ventre/White Clay collaborators.

Copyright: Center for the Study of Indigenous Languages of the West (CSILW),University of Colorado, Boulder, CO

First Edition: May, 2005Second Edition: July, 2005Third Edition: April, 2013

NOTE: Permission is hereby granted for this document to be reproduced in any form by the Gros Ventre/White Clay people and institutions, for personal or educational use. All

other reproduction is restricted by copyright law.

IntroductionThis is a compilation of information from existing sources. Other than the addition of the

word for ‘golden eagle’ provided by Terry Brockie, no new research has gone into this work. The sources from which material is taken are identified as follows:

no source = Allan TaylorɁs Gros Ventre dictionaryF = The Gros Ventre Indians of Montana, by Regina Flannery and John CooperK = Ethnography of the Gros Ventre, by Alfred Kroeber# = Gros Ventre Myths and Tales, by Alfred Kroeber (# refers to the story #)S = Gros Ventre dictionary of Father Sifton2560b = MSS 2560b, compiled by Alfred Kroeber, held at National Anthropological

Archives, Smithsonian Institution. Multiple Notebooks (NB)

The compiler has provided technical/scientific identifications of many species, based primarily on knowledge of Arapaho and Cheyenne plant and animal names and uses. He has also provided modern retranscriptions of terms transcribed by Kroeber, Flannery, Cooper, and Sifton, and he has provided Gros Ventre forms where only English translations are given in the original sources.

BIRDSGREBE FAMILY

grebe, pie-billed téiiby(i)h = ‘riding on someone’s back duck’ (possibly coot?)

In the creation story, there is a large ‘loon’ (baas-teihipyh) and a small ‘loon’. Both divefor earth, but neither succeeds in bringing any up (Kroeber Myth #2). See also Kroeber Story #28. In Kroeber MSS 2560b, NB 49, he adds that the bird referred to above “can’t fly”. Thissuggests a coot, which is virtually never seen to fly, though the same could be said of thepie-billed grebe.

grebe, western??? baas-teiiby(i)h = large grebe (see grebe, pie-billed) (common loon?)

In the creation story, there is a large ‘loon’ (baas-teihipyh) and a small ‘loon’. Both divefor earth, but neither succeeds in bringing any up (Kroeber Myth #2). See also Kroeber Story #28. In Kroeber MAA 2560b, he adds that the bird is “spotted black and white” with a “long bill,” and that the small ones are black.

Note: both loons, grebes, and coots sometimes carry their young on their backs.

WATERFOWL FAMILYSwan nook-óɁeeih = white-goose;

nóóc-itétoh = white-heron/egret/crane

goose néɁih gosling néɁiitooɁ (‘young goose’)

Goose eggs were eaten (F59)

duck cɁíisikoh duckling ciɁíisikóouh (‘little duck’)

Kroeber reports that duck eggs were a favorite food (K149); see F59 also.The Duck was one of four divers who tried to bring up earth at the time of creation.He did not succeed. (#1)Gros Ventre shares with Arapaho the story of the dancing ducks. (#14)

GULL AND TERN FAMILYgull nowhú-niiɁihíh = fish-bird

LONG-LEGGED WADER FAMILYbittern naatóóhow-úúsíit-aakɁi = looks at-sun-it

This name comes from the fact that bitterns are masters of camouflage and conceal-ment. When standing among cattails and reeds, they point their head straight up,and with their long neck they look just like another cattail.

CRANE FAMILYcrane, esp. sandhill Ɂitétoouh (also used for goose)

Ɂitéth

crane, whooping nóóc-téíth = white-crane/heron (also used for swans)

SHOREBIRD FAMILYcurlew ɁikóɁuɁúhuh

Eggs were eaten (F59). Name also given in Kroeber MSS 2560b, NB49, p 19verso.

killdeer ciɁíícikhíh

This name is probably an imitation of the birdɁs call.

GAMEBIRD FAMILYturkey báas-kénaaɁ = big-grouse

GROUSE FAMILYgrouse kénaaɁ (prairie chicken or sage grouse)

The prairie chicken is central to Gros Ventre pre-Sun Dance preparations (K231)The Gros Ventre version of White Man and the dancing ducks includes ‘PrairieChickens’ as well (#14).

ruffed(?) grouse kóokouɁúhɁuh

sharp-tailed grouse tosí-iiinotéyeih = sharp-tail feathers (also used for sage grouse hen?)

Eggs of grouse and prairie chicken were eaten (F59)

RAPTOR FAMILYhawk, swainson’s? wotééínáátaaɁ (means ‘has worn-out/brown wings’?)

Kr 2560b defines this term as ‘chicken hawk.’

eagle, bald nook-oti-yéíhih = white-rump-onehatiϴeeihih (Kr 2560b, NB 42)

eaglet nóóotiyéíhiitóóɁ (Ɂyoung eagleɁ)

In one story, the Bald Eagle helps kill a mythological monster known as“Cut Off Head” (#3). In another, he rescues a woman from danger andtakes her back to her people (#25).

eagle, golden cíícííkóto-yéíhih = trilling-one

Eagles were shot from blinds set up where a previous camp was being broken (K149).Kr 2560b NB 42 defines this as a “spotted tail eagle.”

VULTURE FAMILYvulture Ɂatitebiih (spelling? – from E.S. Curtis)

FALCON FAMILYfalcon Ɂááyéeih

ɁááyaaɁ

Kr 2560b, NB 42 defines this word as a gray, swift hawk, smaller than a chicken hawk.

kestrel cicíihééíhihciiciih (Kr 2560b, NB 42)

The name for kestrel is also given in Kroeber MSS 2560a, NB 49, p. 19verso, as ciiciihihɁoh (pl.), defined as ‘a small bird.’

OWL FAMILYowl byóótaaɁ

Owls were often considered to be spirits or ghosts.

snowy owl nooci-byootaaɁ (Kr 2560b, NB 42)

KINGFISHER FAMILYkingfisher no name known

PIGEON AND DOVE FAMILYpigeon/dove níitééíhɁaaɁ

GOATSUCKER FAMILYnighthawk cíítoouh, cííyóúúh

The sound of the kingfisher diving was likened to the sound of farting. A traditionalsaying is: cíítoouh kyááákich! ɁítɁa Ɂóótonnistonéítah ɁínɁ báatah noh niikyóhoɁ. = ‘Nighthawk farted! I’ll make you a bow and arrows.’ (Taylor II.55)The Gros Ventre share the story of the Nighthawk breaking the rock withother tribes (#10).

HUMMINGBIRD FAMILYhummingbird no name known

WOODPECKER FAMILYwoodpecker (in genɁl?) kóókóotaaɁ

flicker kóókóotaaɁ

red-headed woodpecker baaɁ-áɁaa-kɁi = red-head-itbaɁéíhiih = ‘red-headed one’

LARK FAMILYhorned lark no name known

SWALLOW FAMILYswallow níítotéyeeih = double tail feather (especially barn swallow)

cliff swallow bíitéi-wósish = ghost-??bíitéí-bíitosɁi = ghost-??Ɂitéi-wós-híh = womanly-???-DIM

An Arapaho explained that the cliff swallow is connected to ghosts or spirits because of the strange sound it makes once it returns to its nest in the evening. The second name for cliff swallow is given in Kroeber MSS 2560b, NB 49, p. 19verso, as byiitei-byiiϴoϴo-hoh (pl.).

CROW FAMILYcrow ɁóouɁ [Curtis 1924, 170 also gives at-ti]

Crows were trapped in sinew snares (K149)In one version of the creation story, there are no birds and animals except the crow.The crow must fly around endlessly over the waters. Eventually, it becomes tired,and asks the Pipe Man to create some earth for it to rest on. This initiates the creation.

raven ɁóouɁ Ɂótéeih [see ‘crow’ regarding Curtis 1924]

jay no name known

magpie wouɁúhɁeeih

Magpies were trapped in sinew snares (K149)

OLD WORLD THRUSHES?starling nhɁáanóouh (same as blackbird, cowbird)

CHICKADEE AND TITMOUSE FAMILYchickadee nii-bíííkiy-ééíh = habitual-spring-one (‘he brings

springtime’)nii-bíííkyééíhihi-kɁi = habitual-little spring-one (‘he’s the little bringer of springtime’)

The song signals the arrival of spring for the Arapaho, and the Gros Ventre wordseems to indicate the same thing. In Kroeber 2560a, NB 49, p. 19verso, the name is given as byiikiy-eeihihɁoh (pl.)

Ɂíckiikiikhíh (apparently onomatopoetic for the call)bííbineihíh = ‘small berry eater’bííbineihihí-kɁi = ‘he is a small berry eater’

THRUSH FAMILYrobin béɁ-isicééí-(hiih) = red-breast-one

bluebird kináatáán-iiɁíhiih = blue-bird

SPARROW FAMILYsparrow no name known

c/siiɁhihɁoh (Kr 2560b, NB 42) ‘snowbird, sparrow’

‘winterbird/snowbird’ Ɂísiih (probably junco) BLACKBIRD FAMILYred-winged w blackbird nííyos-nihɁáanoouh = cattail-blackbird

meadowlark Ɂíbikííwoochíh

Meadowlarks were believed to talk dirty, and to mock people. One non-dirty call is:cííyóóuúh náhtonáhɁ = ‘nighthawk, you are tricky/smart’ (Taylor II.55)The eggs were hard-boiled and fed to children who were slow to learn to talk (F59, 143) and when a person is talkative, people say ‘their mother musthave fed them meadowlark eggs’

yellow-headed h blackbird no name known

blackbird nhɁáanóouh

brown-headed cowbird nhɁáanóouh

grackle nhɁáanóouh

FINCH FAMILY

‘winterbird/snowbird’ Ɂísiih(This is either a Snow Bunting or Junco)

MAMMALSINSECTIVORESmole nóou-ciitóóc-ééíhih = outside-blow (dirt)-it (=Arapaho

gopher)woosí-ciitóóc-ééíhih = dirt-blow-itkiikííbyɁ-ééíhih

BATSbat wɁatáán-ntɁín-eih = black-wing-one

The bite of bats is thought to be poisonous (K281)

RABBITSrabbit nooch

cottontail nowóot-óóch = lefthanded-rabbit

jackrabbit báat-óóch = big-rabbit (wh-tl jackr)nóók-óóch = white-rabbit (wh-tl jackr)

Rabbits eaten when necessary, but normally considered trapping fare for children (F59)

RODENTSchipmunk no name known

marmot no name known

ground sq totooyoɁeeih = ‘striped one?’

Kr 2560b says this word can be used for all kinds of squirrels.

squirrel same as ground squirrel?

gopher Ɂóniiih gopher hole nóóúciitóóto(o)Ɂ = ‘product of blowing out’ (i.e. the dirt

blown out of the ground)

Gophers [prairie dogs?] were trapped by means of horsehair hoops (K149)Eaten when necessary, but normally considered trapping fare for children (F59)

prairie dog báat-óniiih = big-gopher pr. dog town baatónííí-taanɁo = prairie dog-village

Eaten when necessary, but normally considered trapping fare for children (F59)

beaver ɁábisɁ beaver dam ɁábisɁ ɁókoouyóoɁ

Most favored meat after hooved animals (F59); skin used for caps, mittensand breechclouts in winter (F62) Castor put into paint bags so thatdaily paint materials would smell sweet (F63)

mouse Ɂoocíih baby ɁoocíihiitooɁ (‘young mouse’)

rat báat-óócíih = big-mouse

woodrat báat-óócíih = big-mouse

muskrat Ɂíitósih

Bags sometimes made from the pelt (F62). Used as trimming (F62)

porcupine Ɂóouh porc. quill Ɂóóninoh (pl)

Porcupine quills were of central to decorative uses; also eaten (F59). Tails usedfor combs (F63)

CARNIVOREScoyote kóóɁohwúh rutting male nó(ó)nisi-kóóɁohwúh = crazy-coyote

nóónitehíínotáasiɁ = ‘he is wandering around crazy’

Young sometimes eaten (F59)

wolf kyáakítaaɁ rutting male nó(ó)nis-kyáakítaaɁ = crazy-wolf

nóónitehíínotáasiɁ = ‘he is wandering around crazy’

Scouts were called ‘wolves,’ and if they had seen another camp ontheir trip, they howled like wolves upon returning to camp (K191)Young sometimes eaten (F59)

red fox báat-oouh = red-swift fox

swift fox nóouhháh

Foxes were trapped (K149). The swift fox was involved symbolically in the kit fox lodge (K231). Used as trimming (F62)

bear wósɁ cub wóuɁuh

wóúɁuutóóɁ

grizzly nonóóc-íikétó-Ɂ = white-shoulder-onenonooc-íikétoɁoni-kɁi = white-shoulder-one noo-iϴoouɁeen-osɁi = white-???-bear (2560b)

black woɁaatáán-osɁi = black-bear

Bears were trapped (K149)Not sought for food, but eaten when killed. The grease was saved and used (F59)

raccoon wooɁatáán-oocí-kyɁ = black-eye-it

marten Ɂotótah (spelling? – from E.S. Curtis)

fisher néeiyɁo [same as ‘otter’?]noɁohoɁ [Kroeber NB 42; same as ‘mink’]

weasel téih

Used as trimming (F62)

bf ferret báatónii-téih = prairie dog-weasel

mink n(o)ɁóhoɁ

Bags sometimes made from the pelt (F62). Used as trimming (F62)

wolverine ɁóhɁánɁ bóhɁouɁ = mtn badger

badger bóhɁouɁ

The badger is involved symbolically in the crazy dance (K231); also eaten (F59)

skunk tóouh

otter néeih

Fur used for caps and mittens in winter (F62)Bags sometimes made from the pelt (F62). Used as trimming (F62)

mtn lion bitóókyaaɁɁaabetyiih ‘big one’ (Kr 2560b, NB 42)

bobcat tow-óón-néíhii-bitóókyaaɁ = short-tail-one-mtn lion

lynx no name known

HOOFED MAMMALSelk Ɂiwósiih

Elk horn was used to make hide scrapers (K150); teeth were the most importantdecorative item on clothing (F62). The name for the teeth is Ɂiwosiihoocit.

mule deer bíhɁih buck bíhɁihiih Ɂiwotóótibiih

Ɂanaakei-bihɁih (Kr 2560b) fawn wóuɁuh

wóúɁuutóóɁ

Polished deer hooves were attached to robes and clothing and left to danglebecause they made a nice sound when one walked (F62)

white-tail deer Ɂótiby-oonín-eih = dog-tailed-one

moose Ɂinénhih

pronghorn noosíkyíh

bison ɁíítaanóónɁi bull ɁanáákyaaɁ female biih herd ɁíítaanóónɁi calf wóuɁuh

wóúɁuutóóɁnihóóni-wóuɁ = yellow-calf

buff chip no name known

Bison were the central animal of Gros Ventre culture. See K148-49.

bighorn Ɂótééíh

mtn goat no name known

caribou no name known

Additional General Information

Though bison hides were used for robes and tipis, deer, elk, and antelope werenormally used for clothing (F61). Elk was more durable, but deer was more flexibleand preferred for the finest clothing (F62). Antelope was preferred for breechclouts (F62))Food and water containers were made of buffalo heart membrane, paunch, bladderand intestines, as well as those of elk and deer (F64-5)

“CREEPIES AND CRAWLIES”REPTILESsnake síisííyaaɁ

Snakeskin was sometimes used to cover and ornament bows (K151)

rattlesnake síisííyaaɁníí-síísiiyóni-kɁi = habit-rattle-it

bull/gopher ɁótaaɁ

garter snake Ɂiníícih

turtle bɁánóouh

lizard kóóhoyaah

Lizards are believed to bite people and then hang on and suck their fleshinto their mouthes (K281). 2560b gives koohootyaah.

horned toad ɁitóóníwooɁ

The horned toad was used as a decorative emblem (K167)

AMPHIBIANSfrog kokóáh tadpole wóówooɁóócííh

kokóóhii-tooɁ = frog-young

toad kóuɁ-kokóáh = swollen-frogkóuw-kokóáh = swollen-frog

INSECTS AND SPIDERSinsect byíítaaɁ

ant wóówos-tóyɁéíhiih = bad-biter anthill wóówostóyɁéíhyóh Ɂí-yééíhɁ-iinínooɁ = ants its-lodge-pl

bedbug téɁ-téibɁi = flat-louse

bee ɁóówɁu beehive Ɂóówuu-níiinɁo = bee-lodge honey Ɂóówuu-baaɁ = bee-excrement

butterfly bohɁóon-téíbeih = thunder-louse caterpill bíis-bíítaaɁ = hairy-worm/bug

byoosou-biitaaɁ = bare(?)-bug [Kroeber NB#42] tent cat ɁóoounóɁohootééíh

Tent caterpillars are believed to dance if one sings or plays a drum for them

centipede ɁanináatétaaɁ (= ‘whirlwind’ as well)

cricket Ɂisíktóneih

dragonfly bíítooh-óotɁa = ‘insect-horse’

Definition given in Kroeber MSS 2560b, NB 45, p. 25. He gives the word as byiiϴoo-hooϴibyii (pl.).

flea béɁ-teibyɁi = ‘red-louse’

fly nóubaa (see ‘spider’)

grasshopper níhɁaacéeih hornet ɁóówɁu hornet’s nest Ɂóówuu-níiinɁo = ‘bee-lodge’

horsefly kohɁácaaɁ

leech wóówooɁóócíihɁanináatétaaɁ (also = ‘whirlwind’)

louse Ɂa-téibɁi = your-louse nit yáanah

maggot Ɂaníiih (also ‘larva’)

mosquito kóouɁ-ééíhih = swelling-one

One of the Gros Ventre age-grade dances was given by the mosquito, andthat insect is imitated in part of the dance (K231)

moth Ɂohóókyaa-nén = crazy-man [Miller Moth]

The Crazy ManɁs society went by the same name as this moth.

spider níhɁootoh

daddy long-legs Ɂaay-óonaa-kɁ níhɁooth = long-leg-it has spider

tick Ɂisíiih

wasp Ɂóów

water strider noosíkyih (= ‘antelope’ as well)

WORMSworm byíítaaɁ

‘red legless water worm’ ɁanináatétaaɁ = ‘whirlwind’ (K280)

MOLLUSKSshell byéeiɁih (especially freshwater mussels, ‘moon shell’)abalone shell kookooɁoϴeiht [Kroeber NB 41]dentalium shell ɁaɁayooniihihɁoh [Kroeber NB 41] = ‘long-bodied ones’?oblong shell kookooɁateihihɁoh [Kroeber NB 41] (used in place of elk

teeth)mollusk shell ɁoohohoɁ [Kroeber NB 41]

FISHfish nówuh dead fish nikíínowóhɁo (‘dead fish’) fingerling nówuutóoɁ (‘young fish’)

Kroeber reports that fish were only caught by children for amusement (K149)

minnow nówuu-tóoɁ = fish-young

sucker kóóɁaan-ék-Ɂi = round-mouth-it has

PLANTS

GENERAL TERMSbark ɁinóoosɁiberry biiɁ or byiiɁ

-ibyinoh or -ibinoh or -uwunoh (as noun suffix)branch ɁitéɁ

bush, brush ɁíikóúɁ or nááyáach-bíisɁ or -wúusɁ (as noun suffix)

flower nɁíiɁóotóónoh (= ‘growing things’)-aɁaa- (as incorporated form in verbs; = ‘head’)

grass wosíɁ-otoo (as incorporated form in verbs)

leaf bíicíísɁ

-ikoo (as incorporated form in verbs)nut niikóóɁówuhroot ɁíníiicɁi

-ítaan (as incorporated form in verbs)sap, pitch, gum tóóúɁ or kéeiɁ or kyéiɁiseed, pit or stone of fruit cíicsíbɁistem/stalk -oocééí (as incorporated form; = ‘rope’)thorn khúu- = ?tree ɁohóókɁi

appear (grass) bíítotoo-appear (new growth) bíítoɁoo-brushy, to be kyoɁooɁee-fall (leaves) kyánikóo-new growth, to have bíísíiiɁoo-

wóóníiiɁóo-thick (grass) kyóɁotoo-unripe, to be kináatáánéhi-

FORMAT:FAMILY NAME (English version of family name)Plant species [Common English name] Gros Ventre name = English translation of GV

name

Notes on uses of the plant

CUPRESSACEAE (Cypresses)Juniperus communis [Common Juniper] kóhkɁunáásibɁi = ‘roll in the dust’ (?)

béɁ-itáacɁ = red-pine

berries kyóóóhɁtowúnoh

Used to cure asthma (K226) leaves kyóóóhɁtowúukooɁ (accent?)

Used as remedy for hemorrhage (K226)Used as incense by doctors, prior to work (K226)

Juniperus horiz. [Creeping Juniper] táatoou-wúusih = pine-bush

The previous word and identification is also given by Kroeber (MSS 2560b, NB 46). Used for incense, and also for hemorrhages.

Sabina scopulorum (?) [Rocky Mtn Juniper] béɁi-táacɁ = red-pine

PINACEAE (Pines)Pinus spp [Pine] táacɁi

ϴaacibinoh (nuts from cones)

Pine nuts were used for pemmican (K227); gum was chewed (F60)

Abies lasiocarpa [Subalpine Fir, Sweet Fir] nɁ-íbyóoot(o)h = good-smellnɁ-íbyoou-táacɁi = good-smell-pine

Used as ceremonial incense (K225). A tea made from the leaves applied to the body torelieve pain (K225)

Pseudotsuga douglasii [Douglas Fir] kiyótow-táacɁi = false-pine

ASCLEPIADACEAE (Milkweeds)Asclepias spp [Milkweed] Ɂohookiinitooh = Ɂit is wood likeɁ (K224)

Kroeber 2560b, NB 44 was this was used for colic.

ACERACEAE (Maples)Acer negundo [Box Elder] tóótó-ousɁi = ???-bush

The juice of the inner bark was sometimes eaten in spring F60

Fraxinus pennsy. [Green Ash] ɁinénouɁú-bisɁi = fake/false-wood

Ash wood was used for bows (K150)

ALLIACEAE (Onions)Allium spp [Wild Onion] Ɂitóou-kɁa = skunk-turnip

These roots were dried and stored for later use F58

ANACARDIACEAE (Cashew Family)Rhus trilobata [Skunkbrush, Sumac]? cooti-binoh = enemy-berries K227

‘Piegan berries’ were chewed, then rubbed on hair, horses and beddings asperfume F63; K 2560b, NB 44.

APIACEAE (Parsleys)Cicuta maculata [Water Hemlock] kikyáacaaɁ

Heracleum lanatum [Cow Parsnip] kocíyɁo = Ɂgun, whistleɁ

Lomatium dissectum [White Turnip] niɁ-aataaɁ = good-??

Used for tuberculosis and hemorrhages (K226). Eaten, and drunk as a tea (2560b, NB 44).

Perideridia gairdneri [Yampa] ninííshíh-kɁi = be two-it (a reference to the roots)

These roots were dried and stored for later use F60

ASTERACEAE (Composites)Artemisia frigida [Fringed Sage] ɁááskóoɁ

Artemisia ludoviciana [Meadow Sage] nóók-hóotɁa = white-bush

Tipi floors were covered with sagebrush in the summer (F64)

Echinacea angustifolia [Purple Coneflower]? Ɂotowoo-nosiɁ =dog-medicine/grass

Used for pleurisy and heart sickness, and in age-grade ceremonies (K226). 2560b,NB 44 gives a plant ɁitowoonosiɁ, which looks like this word (but see Mertensia

below); however he describes it as having bright red berries, a low plant, dark, pointedleaves, length and width of the thumb. The root was used. It has one root thesize of a finger and many fine, hair-like roots. It was used for pleurisy and heart troubles,and was chewed or drunk, and tastes sweet.

Grindelia squarrosa [Gumweed] kiikéhtaaci-bíisɁi = ?-bush

Helenium hoopesii [Sneezeweed] ɁitowhóóɁ

Kroeber 2560b, NB 44 says it was obtained from other tribes, did not grow in the GV area.

Lygodesmea juncea [Rush Skeletonweed] no name known

Used to increase a motherɁs flow of milk (K225)

‘yellow heads’ niihoo-naɁaa-noouh = yellow-head-it (K225)

2560b, NB 44 says also called tyityih-taasibyisih. It was used to incense womenafter they gave birth.

BETULACEAE (Birches)Betula spp [Water Birch, Mtn Birch] níííyooɁóoɁ

BORAGINACEAEMertensia spp [Mtn Bluebells] Ɂotowoon-osiɁ = good-medicine

totowoon-osiɁ = good?-medicine

CACTACEAE (Cactuses)All Cactaceae spp ɁóhoyóoosɁi

CAPRIFOLIACEAE (Honeysuckles)Symphoricarpos albus [Snowberry] nooc-íbinoh = white-berries

CONVOLVUCEAE (Morning Glories)Convolvulus spp [Morning Glory] cííkon-táánocɁ = ghost-rope

CORNACEAE (Dogwoods)Swida sericea [Red-osier, Red Willow] bɁ-ócééí-bíisɁi = red-bark-shrub berries nooc-íbinoh = white-berries

ELAEAGNACEAEShepherdia argentea [Buffaloberry, Bullberry] kyáakitáá-binoh = bull-berry Thicket kyáakítaa-bíisiiɁ = bullberry-bushes

ERICACEAE (Heaths)Arctostaphylos uva [Bearberry, Kinnikinnick] nóuhɁúúwun-bíisiih = ??-bush berries nóuhɁúúwuno

These berries were available for use in July F60

FABACEAE (Peas)GlycrrhiɁa lepidota [Licorice Root] biiɁáɁaaneih-íisɁi = sweetheart-plant

Psoralea esculenta [Indian Turnip] ɁíikɁakínaaɁ

These were available in August F60 – very important food

‘bean’ ɁiwonííhóóhoɁ

‘potato’ kyooɁóóh = ‘it is spherical, round’

Used as food, but found only in Sweet Grass Hills, Moccasin Mountains,south of the Little Rockies, and around Billings F60

‘yellow turnip’ nihóón-íikéniiɁ = yellow-turnip

‘red turnip’/’beet turnip’ no name known

Used as food, but found only sporadically in sandy places F60

GROSSULARIACEAE (Currants and Gooseberries)Ribes spp [Currant] nɁ-íbyinoh = good-berry

These berries were eaten fresh F58

Ribes glossularia(?) [Gooseberry] Ɂítétoocíi-bɁi = astringent-berry

There berries were dried and stored for later use F60

JUNCACEAE (Rushes)Juncus balticus [Rush] ɁohootinaɁ (spelling? – from Kroeber)

Used for embroidery (K227). Described in 2560b, NB 44 as a water plant, the whole plant used for the quillwork.

LAMIACEAE (Mints)Mentha arvensis [Field Mint] woos-wóhooɁ = elk-mint

Used for headache, and drunk as a tea (K226; F61)

Monarda fistulosa. [Horsemint] kyaanáátaa-náɁaa-nóouh = blue-head-it

LILIACEAE (Lilies)Veratrum viride [False Hellebore] ɁitowhóóɁ (II.255) = ‘sneeze weed’?

Camissia quamash [Camas Lily] kookóóɁaa-báá-noh = Flathead-feces-PL

The name for this plant likely comes from a story told by the Flathead Indians themselves, in which Coyote mistakes Camas Lily bulbs for feces. The Gros Ventres evidently told a variant of this story.

POACEAE (Grasses)general [Grass] wosíɁ

Hierochloe odorata [Sweetgrass] níɁ-osɁ = good-grass

Rye Grass no name known

Tipi floors were covered with rye grass in the summer (F64)

POLYGONACEAE (Buchwheats)Rumex spp (obtusifolia?) [Sheep Sorrel] nihoon-ósiɁ = yellow-medicine/grass [I.356]

See K226. Kroeber 2560b, NB 44 says ‘yellow medicine’ was the root of elk plant, or elk root, and that it was a low plant, with small burrs. This may not be the samething as the plant identified above.

PORTULACACEAE (Purslanes)Lewisia rediviva [Bitterroot] béíɁ-ítaan-óóh = red-root-it

These roots were dried and stored for later use F60 - very important food

ROSACEAE (Roses)Amelanchier spp [Serviceberry, Juneberry] ɁihéyouɁ-úwunoh = heavy-berries

These berries were dried and preserved for later use F60 - very important food

Crataegus dougl. [Hawthorn] khúú-wunoh = thorn-berrieskhúu-wúusɁi = hawthorn-bush

Fragaria spp [Strawberry] Ɂiteih-íbyinoh = heart-berries

These berries were eaten fresh F60

Padus virginiana [Chokecherry] toyh-úwunoh = ?-berries thicket ɁóóówouɁ pit toyohúwuni-cíicisíbɁi = chokecherry-pit

‘Cherry’ wood was used for bows (K150)The berries were available in August F60 - very important foodA tea was made from the bark and roots F61Tipi door fastening pins normally made of this wood F64

Prunus americana [Wild Plum] báas-íbinoh = big-berries

These fruits were available for use in July F60

Rosa spp [Wild Rose] rose hips yáaniih (pl)

The fruits were gathered after the first frosts, though available by late August F58

Rubus spp [Wild Raspberry] ɁoonyóɁ

These berries were eaten fresh F58

SALICACEAE (Willows)Populus deltoides [Cottonwood] kiyotów-hóókɁi = false-tree [but see II.387]

The juice of the inner bark was eaten in spring F61

Populus tremuloides [Aspen] cíhɁo-hookɁi = slender-tree [but see II.387]

Salix spp [Willow] níícoosɁ

Willows were used to make hoops, within which sinew was woven to trap crows and magpies (K149). It was used to make many implements,including children’s toy shields (K182) and backrests (F64). A willow ringencircled the fireplace in tipis (F64). Tipi floors were covered with willowin the summer (F64).

THALICTRACEAE (Meadow Rue)Thalictra spp [Meadow Rue] ???

This plant was so much associated with the Gros Ventres that it was called ‘Gros Ventre plant’ by the Blackfeet. It was used as a perfume. Kroeber’s Ethnology records four names for four different plants used a perfumes. Based on the other uses recorded for the plants, it seems likely that ??? was the Gros Ventre name for Meadow Rue.

TYPHACEAE (Cattails)Typha spp [Cattail] nííyóns-íisɁi = tongue-bush

Ɂííyons-íisɁ = has a tongue-bushVITACEAE (Grapes)Vitis spp [Wild Grape] woɁátáán-bíínoh = black-berries

IDENTITY UNCLEAR‘Buckbrush’ no name known

Brooms of this material were kept in tipis (F64)

[Symphoricarpos spp? Ceanothus spp? (see Fendler’s Ceanothus and Snow Laurel of theBoulder, CO area)]

LICHENSEvernia vulpina [Lichen] ɁocohooɁ (spelling??)

Used to make a yellow dye for quills (K227)

?? banaacinɁ (spelling?) [K225 (a rock lichen)]

FUNGI/MUSHROOMSMushrooms in general tos-eɁeinoo-uh (spelling? – from Sifton) =

They have ??? headsDried mushrooms in general were sometimes used for kindling (K150)

Fungus spp nóók-osíɁ = white-medicine (large fungus growing on trees)

General medicinal use (K226). Grows “high on pine trees” (2560b, NB 44)

Puffball spp wústoonóokhooɁwústaanóokhooɁ

?? caacnooɁ (spelling??) [K225 (a fungus on birch)]

2560b, NB 44 gives this as ciityinoo, and says it was for wounds and sores, andwhen set of fire, glows.

MOSSGeneral word haccáan (spelling? – from Sifton)Unidentified Medicinal Plants (details on uses are in Kroeber)

NAME MEANING PAGE REFERENCE(Alfred Kroeber “Ethnologyof the Gros Ventre”)

báakyékɁi ‘hand’ K2252560b, NB 44, small piece laid in cold water, the drunk to make delivery easy. Name based on shape of root.

beɁ-osiɁ ‘red medicine’ K2242560b, NB 44, redish when fresh, used for diarrhea.

kyaakyaanitoo-h (sp.?) ?? K225Described in 2560b, NB 44 as a root, growing in swampy country, soakedin water, then the black part kept, grated, mixed with water, and appliedto a sore neck.

c-aaɁaanoo-uh ‘bunches’? K2272560b, NB 44: used for perfume, hair wash, tea - which makes hair grow.Branches used for perfume. Tea was poured down nostrils for headache.

Ɂayoot(o)h (sp.?) ?? K2252560b, NB 44 says a piece was tied to the shoulder of oneɁs shirt, and worn as perfume. It was also used for sore eyes: laid in warm water, but

not boiled.

Ɂiinoosaanitoo-h (sp.?) ?? K2262560b, NB 44, A bark, not grow in GV area, chewed or drink, for hemorrhages or pain in the back.

Ɂiniitsooh (sp?) ??(=horn?) K2252560b, NB 44, roots of a grass, boiled, the water used for pain and sores.

Ɂicaatyinoo (sp?)2560b, NB 44. Grows on birch trees, near the root, and was used for childrenɁs teeth pain. Pulverized, put on gums.

kyaakyaciko-uh (sp.?) ‘spotted’?? K226A tea was made from this, leaves growing in the mountains. 2560b, NB 44(Kaakaatyikouh). Later in same MSS defines this as ‘flat leaf’ and sayswas used for general medicine.

kouhuuyoo-h ‘sticky’ K2252560b, NB 44, chewed, then made into a paste. For sores. A low plantwith sharp leaves.

niniicitoo-h ‘hollow’ K226For horses, drunk as tea for colds, plant very much like wild parsnip (2560b, NB 44)

niihoon-aɁaanoo-uh ‘yellow heads’ K2252560b, NB 44. Grows by water, drunk as tea for sickness in body and painin the back.

nii-tosiɁoo-h ‘sharp’ K2252560b, NB 44

describes this as the root of a plant, with a bunch of spear-like

leaves. It was pulverized and used for sore mouth and tongue.

niɁibyoootɁi ‘smells good’ K2272560b, NB 44 identifies a ‘perfume’ which was the stems and leaves of a small plant.

now-osiɁ ‘fish medicine’ K226Root of a water plant, eaten for colds (2560b, NB 44)

tóutitóoɁ ‘mixture’ (for smoking) [Taylor Dict]

wonoosi-byooo-Ɂ ‘smelling loud’ K226

In 2560b, NB 44, this looks like nonoosi-byooo-Ɂ. It was smoked in a pipefor headaches.

wonou-wosiɁ ‘wart medicine’ K224In 2560b, NB 44, this is said to be used for stomach ache. It is the root of a plant growing by the water, with curved over ovate leaf, fuzzy inside,and sweet-tasting.

Ɂítaan-wosíɁ ‘woman-medicine’ (love medicine) [Taylor Dict]

THE HEAVENS

Big Dipper taab-íikéto-Ɂ = broken-back-it

Eclipse Ɂiníínóóútaa-kɁi = Ɂit has disappearedɁ

Falling Star ɁótoɁ kyaanís = star falling

meteor shower ɁotoɁuu cenis = stars falling (Kr 2560b)

Milky Way cííkon-byóooɁ = ghost-road

Moon biikóóú-síisɁi = night-lightɁthe one travelingɁ (Cooper)

moonlight Ɂíniisíísoyooh full moon Ɂiniit-eiɁiit-iisiisɁi(?)= complete-?-light (Sifton)

ɁiníísíiiɁoo-kɁi = grown to maturity-it new moon Ɂonóóúci-Ɂ = ‘it is visible’Moon and Sun ‘they follow each other’ (Cooper)

Morning Star nookoosɁi = cross

Northern Lights nihɁóótoou-sítaa(noh) = White Man/Trickster’s fire

Pleiades bóón-ocí-ch = together-sit-theybóóh-ocí-ch = together-sit-they

rise (sun or moon) bíísítaa- = ‘to come into view’

set (sun or moon) Ɂinowútaa- = ‘to go out of view’

Sky ɁónoɁ

Star ɁótoɁ; botoɁ [Sifton]; ɁotouhoɁ (Sifton) 3 stars in orionɁs belt ‘buffalo bulls’ (K280) = Ɂanáákyaanoh 2 stars below orionɁs belt ‘hunters’ (K280) = ɁíínooɁéíhóóh

Sun ɁíísíisɁi sun dogs ɁiisiisɁi wonoo-wokitonaa-ch = ‘the sun is

lighting a fire’ [Sifton]ɁiisiisɁi nii-wokitonouhu-kɁi = ‘the sun is

lighting a fire for itself’ sun rays Ɂiisiiϴ-otoo = sun-??? (Kr 2560b)

located in the sky Ɂonóóúci-Ɂ = it hangsTHE SEASONS AND THE MONTHS

Note: some of these month names are clearly post-contact names, and refer to key events occurring in the standard American calendar month (July = ‘fourth of July month’; September = ‘when the children go back to school’; November = ‘thanksgiving month’; December = ‘Christmas month’). The other months are actually names for various full moons. The full moon may occur at the END of the respective American calendar months; the seasonal events described in the traditional moon names should be considered as occurring at the END of the month in question.

January Ɂóhuu-nókoootoo-h = ‘when it is very cold’

February totóó-úsíisɁi = ‘in-between month’February béih-ííísíisɁi = ‘treacherous, tricky month’

March nohɁóúɁaanoh Ɂóhuu-tóyaɁáá-ch = ‘when snow insects bite’

April ɁínɁ Ɂóhuu-bíísikoo-Ɂ = ‘when the leaves appear’April Ɂóhuu-béniiɁówu-h = ‘when it thaws’April báániiɁowúúsih = ‘thawing month’April ɁínɁ Ɂóhuu-bíítotoo-h = ‘when grass appears’April béniiɁowúú-úsíisɁi = ‘thawing month’

May ɁínɁ Ɂóh-oooɁóotootaa-h = ‘when blizzards end’May Ɂóhuu-bíítotóo-h = ‘when the grass appears’

June ɁinɁ ɁihéyoɁúwunoh Ɂohúú-útitée-ih = ‘when serviceberries are ripe’

June bíínoh Ɂohúú-útitéé-íh = ‘when berries are ripe’

July Ɂiitétoocíibinoh Ɂóhuu-utetohɁu-ch = ‘gooseberries when ripe’July bííkini-báási-bétaan-ííísíiisɁ = ‘summer big holiday month’

August tóóyóóúnoɁó-Ɂ = ‘it is fall’August Ɂóhuu-tóyóóúnoɁó-Ɂ = ‘when it is fall’August ɁínɁ toyohúwunoh Ɂóhúú-útitée-ih = ‘when chokecherries are ripe’

September Ɂóhuu-cíikyááá-ch téɁiyoonóhooɁ = ‘when the children go in’

October Ɂóhuu-k(y)énikoo-Ɂ = ‘when leaves fall’October Ɂóhuu-kénité-Ɂ biiciisiih = ‘when leaves fall’

November báasíkénéé-ísíiisɁ = ‘turkey month’

December kécini-báasi-bétaan-ííísíisɁi = ‘winter big holy day’