Iroquois uses of maize 



87 



Segments of cob are used for stoppers for husk salt bottles and 

 for the openings in gourd rattles. Cobs were and still are used for 

 hand and flesh scrubbing brushes, oyen'nyi'ta', and for pipe bowls. 

 Cobs were " singed " and used as conubs, e"yeske"e"wai', with which 

 to clean pumpkin and squash seeds. Singed cobs were also used as 

 back scratchers, yiontge'^'Mata'. 



The ashes, o'ga"', of the cob in quantities were used to make a 

 lye, o'ga"'gi', that induced vomiting. In small quantities cob ashes 

 were used as a seasoning for food. " They killed stomach worms 

 and prevented dyspepsia." 



5 Uses of the Caryopsis. Besides their use as food, corn ker- 

 nels were used as beads and decorations, as a medium for trade for 

 the oil, for rattlers in gourds, and for sacrificial purposes. 



Fig. 22 Section of ceremonial cane showing the use of kernels of corn as a decorative motive 



When used as decorations the various colored corns were soaked 

 in water until soft and then strung, sometimes with beads alternat- 

 ing upon thread. Such strands could be used as necklaces and the 

 writer has seen them strung as portieres. Oil, Ona'o'^ ono", was 

 extracted from the kernels and used for a rubbing oil and various 

 poultices, oye'^'saV were made of corn meal. There are a number 

 of references to the sacrifices to various spirits. 



White Tuscarora corn kernels were parched on the stove and 

 pulverized on a hot stone. The powder, ona'o ot'on'yosha, was used 

 as a compress on the navel of a baby from whom the dried navel 

 chord (hoshet'dot, masc, goshet'dot, fem.) had just been removed. 

 It was thought to be a nonirritating absorbent and a valuable heal- 

 ing agent. 



1 Iroquois use poultices of boiled maize flour and apply them hot to the 

 cheek. " I have found that this remedy has been very efficacious against 

 a swelling," says Kalm, " as it lessens the pain, abates the swelling, opens 

 a gathering if there be any, and procures a good discharge of pus." Kalm. 

 Travels in North America, p. 514; Pinkerton. Voyages, p. 13. 



