36 



YEARBOOK, PUBLIC MUSEUM. MILWAUKEE 



[Vol. III. 



He showed us where the snake had chewed off a portion of the root, 

 although a rattlesnake has no teeth, — only fangs. The wild ginger is 

 used as a stomachic to prevent ptomaine poisoning. The Meskwaki 

 now likes to use it to flavor his meats, but in former days, before they 

 became addicted to work, it was used to prevent poisoning from eating 

 hogs, sheep or cattle that had died from disease. The white farmers 



Fig. 17. — Nettle fiber and rush mats, Charles Keosatok and 

 wife, Tama, Iowa. 



used to call in the Meskwaki when such a calamity occurred and the 

 Indians would haul away the carcass and have a feast. Needless to 

 say, this practice is not in vogue today. 



Mrs. Keosatok is an adept at weaving and beadwork, as are several 

 other of the Meskwaki. As craftsmen they much excel the Menomini. 

 They are quite particular about the strength and utility of the finished 



