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 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.17348/era.12.0.325-339 via OpenAlex
Summary
The article explores the role of firewood in the Big Moon Peyote Religion practiced by the Osage Indian community in northeastern Oklahoma. Firewood selection and preparation for the ritual fire involve botanical knowledge and aesthetic considerations, catering to various preferences. The use of firewood not only plays a critical role in the ceremony but also enhances spiritual benefits and social connections within the broader Osage community.
Study at a glance
| Population | Osage Indian community in Osage County, Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Firewood selection and preparation are integral to the ritual of Peyotism, enhancing both spiritual benefits and social relationships within the 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.