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, 2005
Second Edition: July, 2005
Third 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.
Introduction
This 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 dictionary
F = The Gros Ventre Indians of Montana, by Regina Flannery and John Cooper
K = 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 Sifton
2560b = 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.
3
BIRDS
GREBE 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 dive
for 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”. This
suggests a coot, which is virtually never seen to fly, though the same could be said of the
pie-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 dive
for 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 FAMILY
Swan
goose
gosling
nook-óɁeeih = white-goose;
nóóc-itétoh = white-heron/egret/crane
néɁih
néɁiitooɁ (‘young goose’)
Goose eggs were eaten (F59)
duck
duckling
cɁíisikoh
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 FAMILY
gull
nowhú-niiɁihíh = fish-bird
4
LONG-LEGGED WADER FAMILY
bittern
naatóóhow-úúsíit-aakɁi = looks at-sun-it
This name comes from the fact that bitterns are masters of camouflage and concealment. When standing among cattails and reeds, they point their head straight up,
and with their long neck they look just like another cattail.
CRANE FAMILY
crane, esp. sandhill
Ɂitétoouh (also used for goose)
Ɂitéth
crane, whooping
nóóc-téíth = white-crane/heron (also used for swans)
SHOREBIRD FAMILY
curlew
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 FAMILY
turkey
báas-kénaaɁ = big-grouse
GROUSE FAMILY
grouse
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 ‘Prairie
Chickens’ as well (#14).
ruffed(?) grouse
kóokouɁúhɁuh
sharp-tailed grouse
tosí-iiinotéyeih
grouse hen?)
= sharp-tail feathers (also used for sage
Eggs of grouse and prairie chicken were eaten (F59)
RAPTOR FAMILY
hawk, swainson’s?
wotééínáátaaɁ (means ‘has worn-out/brown wings’?)
Kr 2560b defines this term as ‘chicken hawk.’
eagle, bald
nook-oti-yéíhih = white-rump-one
5
eaglet
hatiϴeeihih (Kr 2560b, NB 42)
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 and
takes 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 FAMILY
vulture
FALCON FAMILY
falcon
Ɂatitebiih (spelling? – from E.S. Curtis)
Ɂááyéeih
ɁááyaaɁ
Kr 2560b, NB 42 defines this word as a gray, swift hawk, smaller than a chicken hawk.
kestrel
cicíihééíhih
ciiciih (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 FAMILY
owl
byóótaaɁ
Owls were often considered to be spirits or ghosts.
snowy owl
nooci-byootaaɁ (Kr 2560b, NB 42)
KINGFISHER FAMILY
kingfisher
no name known
PIGEON AND DOVE FAMILY
pigeon/dove
níitééíhɁaaɁ
GOATSUCKER FAMILY
nighthawk
cíítoouh, cííyóúúh
The sound of the kingfisher diving was likened to the sound of farting. A traditional
saying is: cíítoouh kyááákich! ɁítɁa Ɂóótonnistonéítah ɁínɁ báatah noh niikyóhoɁ. =
6
‘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 with
other tribes (#10).
HUMMINGBIRD FAMILY
hummingbird
no name known
WOODPECKER FAMILY
woodpecker (in genɁl?)
kóókóotaaɁ
flicker
kóókóotaaɁ
red-headed woodpecker
baaɁ-áɁaa-kɁi = red-head-it
baɁéíhiih = ‘red-headed one’
LARK FAMILY
horned lark
no name known
SWALLOW FAMILY
swallow
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 FAMILY
crow
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
7
Magpies were trapped in sinew snares (K149)
OLD WORLD THRUSHES?
starling
nhɁáanóouh (same as blackbird, cowbird)
CHICKADEE AND TITMOUSE FAMILY
chickadee
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 word
seems 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 FAMILY
robin
béɁ-isicééí-(hiih) = red-breast-one
bluebird
kináatáán-iiɁíhiih = blue-bird
SPARROW FAMILY
sparrow
‘winterbird/snowbird’
no name known
c/siiɁhihɁoh (Kr 2560b, NB 42) ‘snowbird, sparrow’
Ɂísiih (probably junco)
BLACKBIRD FAMILY
red-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 must
have fed them meadowlark eggs’
yellow-headed h blackbird
no name known
blackbird
nhɁáanóouh
8
brown-headed cowbird
nhɁáanóouh
grackle
nhɁáanóouh
FINCH FAMILY
‘winterbird/snowbird’
Ɂísiih
(This is either a Snow Bunting or Junco)
9
MAMMALS
INSECTIVORES
mole
BATS
bat
nóou-ciitóóc-ééíhih = outside-blow (dirt)-it (=Arapaho
gopher)
woosí-ciitóóc-ééíhih = dirt-blow-it
kiikííbyɁ-ééíhih
wɁatáán-ntɁín-eih = black-wing-one
The bite of bats is thought to be poisonous (K281)
RABBITS
rabbit
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)
RODENTS
chipmunk
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
gopher hole
Ɂóniiih
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
pr. dog town
báat-óniiih = big-gopher
baatónííí-taanɁo = prairie dog-village
10
Eaten when necessary, but normally considered trapping fare for children (F59)
beaver
beaver dam
ɁábisɁ
ɁábisɁ ɁókoouyóoɁ
Most favored meat after hooved animals (F59); skin used for caps, mittens
and breechclouts in winter (F62) Castor put into paint bags so that
daily paint materials would smell sweet (F63)
mouse
baby
Ɂoocíih
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
porc. quill
Ɂóouh
Ɂóóninoh (pl)
Porcupine quills were of central to decorative uses; also eaten (F59). Tails used
for combs (F63)
CARNIVORES
coyote
rutting male
kóóɁohwúh
nó(ó)nisi-kóóɁohwúh = crazy-coyote
nóónitehíínotáasiɁ = ‘he is wandering around crazy’
Young sometimes eaten (F59)
wolf
rutting male
kyáakítaaɁ
nó(ó)nis-kyáakítaaɁ = crazy-wolf
nóónitehíínotáasiɁ = ‘he is wandering around crazy’
Scouts were called ‘wolves,’ and if they had seen another camp on
their trip, they howled like wolves upon returning to camp (K191)
Young sometimes eaten (F59)
red fox
báat-oouh = red-swift fox
swift fox
nóouhháh
11
Foxes were trapped (K149). The swift fox was involved symbolically in the
kit fox lodge (K231). Used as trimming (F62)
bear
cub
wósɁ
wóuɁuh
wóúɁuutóóɁ
grizzly
nonóóc-íikétó-Ɂ = white-shoulder-one
nonooc-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)
12
mtn lion
bitóókyaaɁ
Ɂaabetyiih ‘big one’ (Kr 2560b, NB 42)
bobcat
tow-óón-néíhii-bitóókyaaɁ = short-tail-one-mtn lion
lynx
no name known
HOOFED MAMMALS
elk
Ɂiwósiih
Elk horn was used to make hide scrapers (K150); teeth were the most important
decorative item on clothing (F62). The name for the teeth is Ɂiwosiihoocit.
mule deer
buck
fawn
bíhɁih
bíhɁihiih Ɂiwotóótibiih
Ɂanaakei-bihɁih (Kr 2560b)
wóuɁuh
wóúɁuutóóɁ
Polished deer hooves were attached to robes and clothing and left to dangle
because they made a nice sound when one walked (F62)
white-tail deer
Ɂótiby-oonín-eih = dog-tailed-one
moose
Ɂinénhih
pronghorn
noosíkyíh
bison
bull
female
herd
calf
ɁíítaanóónɁi
ɁanáákyaaɁ
biih
ɁíítaanóónɁi
wóuɁuh
wóúɁuutóóɁ
nihóóni-wóuɁ = yellow-calf
no name known
buff chip
Bison were the central animal of Gros Ventre culture. See K148-49.
bighorn
Ɂótééíh
mtn goat
no name known
caribou
no name known
13
Additional General Information
Though bison hides were used for robes and tipis, deer, elk, and antelope were
normally used for clothing (F61). Elk was more durable, but deer was more flexible
and preferred for the finest clothing (F62). Antelope was preferred for breechclouts
(F62))
Food and water containers were made of buffalo heart membrane, paunch, bladder
and intestines, as well as those of elk and deer (F64-5)
14
“CREEPIES AND CRAWLIES”
REPTILES
snake
síisííyaaɁ
Snakeskin was sometimes used to cover and ornament bows (K151)
rattlesnake
síisííyaaɁ
níí-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 flesh
into their mouthes (K281). 2560b gives koohootyaah.
horned toad
ɁitóóníwooɁ
The horned toad was used as a decorative emblem (K167)
AMPHIBIANS
frog
tadpole
toad
INSECTS AND SPIDERS
insect
kokóáh
wóówooɁóócííh
kokóóhii-tooɁ = frog-young
kóuɁ-kokóáh = swollen-frog
kóuw-kokóáh = swollen-frog
byíítaaɁ
ant
anthill
wóówos-tóyɁéíhiih = bad-biter
wóówostóyɁéíhyóh Ɂí-yééíhɁ-iinínooɁ = ants its-lodge-pl
bedbug
téɁ-téibɁi = flat-louse
bee
beehive
ɁóówɁu
Ɂóówuu-níiinɁo = bee-lodge
15
honey
butterfly
caterpill
tent cat
Ɂóówuu-baaɁ = bee-excrement
bohɁóon-téíbeih = thunder-louse
bíis-bíítaaɁ = hairy-worm/bug
byoosou-biitaaɁ = bare(?)-bug [Kroeber NB#42]
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
hornet’s nest
ɁóówɁu
Ɂóówuu-níiinɁo = ‘bee-lodge’
horsefly
kohɁácaaɁ
leech
wóówooɁóócíih
ɁanináatétaaɁ (also = ‘whirlwind’)
louse
nit
Ɂa-téibɁi = your-louse
yáanah
maggot
Ɂaníiih (also ‘larva’)
mosquito
kóouɁ-ééíhih = swelling-one
One of the Gros Ventre age-grade dances was given by the mosquito, and
that 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.
16
spider
daddy long-legs
níhɁootoh
Ɂaay-óonaa-kɁ níhɁooth = long-leg-it has spider
tick
Ɂisíiih
wasp
Ɂóów
water strider
noosíkyih (= ‘antelope’ as well)
WORMS
worm
byíítaaɁ
‘red legless water worm’
ɁanináatétaaɁ
MOLLUSKS
shell
abalone shell
dentalium shell
oblong shell
mollusk shell
FISH
fish
dead fish
fingerling
= ‘whirlwind’ (K280)
byéeiɁih (especially freshwater mussels, ‘moon shell’)
kookooɁoϴeiht [Kroeber NB 41]
ɁaɁayooniihihɁoh [Kroeber NB 41] = ‘long-bodied ones’?
kookooɁateihihɁoh [Kroeber NB 41] (used in place of elk
teeth)
ɁoohohoɁ [Kroeber NB 41]
nówuh
nikíínowóhɁo (‘dead fish’)
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
17
PLANTS
GENERAL TERMS
bark
berry
branch
bush, brush
flower
grass
leaf
nut
root
sap, pitch, gum
seed, pit or stone of fruit
stem/stalk
thorn
tree
appear (grass)
appear (new growth)
brushy, to be
fall (leaves)
new growth, to have
thick (grass)
unripe, to be
ɁinóoosɁi
biiɁ or byiiɁ
-ibyinoh or -ibinoh or -uwunoh (as noun suffix)
ɁitéɁ
ɁíikóúɁ or nááyáach
-bíisɁ or -wúusɁ (as noun suffix)
nɁíiɁóotóónoh (= ‘growing things’)
-aɁaa- (as incorporated form in verbs; = ‘head’)
wosíɁ
-otoo (as incorporated form in verbs)
bíicíísɁ
-ikoo (as incorporated form in verbs)
niikóóɁówuh
ɁíníiicɁi
-ítaan (as incorporated form in verbs)
tóóúɁ or kéeiɁ or kyéiɁi
cíicsíbɁi
-oocééí (as incorporated form; = ‘rope’)
khúu- = ?
ɁohóókɁi
bíítotoobíítoɁookyoɁooɁeekyánikóobíísíiiɁoowóóníiiɁóokyóɁotookináatáánéhi-
18
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-smell
nɁ-íbyoou-táacɁi = good-smell-pine
Used as ceremonial incense (K225). A tea made from the leaves applied to the body to
relieve pain (K225)
Pseudotsuga douglasii [Douglas Fir]
ASCLEPIADACEAE (Milkweeds)
kiyótow-táacɁi = false-pine
19
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 as
perfume 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)
20
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, pointed
leaves, length and width of the thumb. The root was used. It has one root the
size 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 women
after they gave birth.
BETULACEAE (Birches)
Betula spp [Water Birch, Mtn Birch]
BORAGINACEAE
Mertensia spp [Mtn Bluebells]
CACTACEAE (Cactuses)
All Cactaceae spp
CAPRIFOLIACEAE (Honeysuckles)
Symphoricarpos albus [Snowberry]
níííyooɁóoɁ
Ɂotowoon-osiɁ = good-medicine
totowoon-osiɁ = good?-medicine
ɁóhoyóoosɁi
nooc-íbinoh = white-berries
CONVOLVUCEAE (Morning Glories)
Convolvulus spp [Morning Glory]
cííkon-táánocɁ = ghost-rope
CORNACEAE (Dogwoods)
Swida sericea [Red-osier, Red Willow]
berries
bɁ-ócééí-bíisɁi = red-bark-shrub
nooc-íbinoh = white-berries
21
ELAEAGNACEAE
Shepherdia argentea [Buffaloberry, Bullberry]
Thicket
kyáakitáá-binoh = bull-berry
kyáakítaa-bíisiiɁ = bullberry-bushes
ERICACEAE (Heaths)
Arctostaphylos uva [Bearberry, Kinnikinnick]
berries
nóuhɁúúwun-bíisiih = ??-bush
nóuhɁúúwuno
These berries were available for use in July F60
FABACEAE (Peas)
GlycrrhiɁa lepidota [Licorice Root]
Psoralea esculenta [Indian Turnip]
biiɁáɁaaneih-íisɁi = sweetheart-plant
ɁíikɁa
kínaaɁ
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.
22
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 same
thing 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-berries
khúu-wúusɁi = hawthorn-bush
23
Fragaria spp [Strawberry]
Ɂiteih-íbyinoh = heart-berries
These berries were eaten fresh F60
Padus virginiana [Chokecherry]
thicket
pit
toyh-úwunoh = ?-berries
ɁóóówouɁ
toyohúwuni-cíicisíbɁi = chokecherry-pit
‘Cherry’ wood was used for bows (K150)
The berries were available in August F60 - very important food
A tea was made from the bark and roots F61
Tipi 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 ring
encircled the fireplace in tipis (F64). Tipi floors were covered with willow
in the summer (F64).
THALICTRACEAE (Meadow Rue)
Thalictra spp [Meadow Rue]
???
24
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-bush
VITACEAE (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 the
Boulder, CO area)]
LICHENS
Evernia vulpina [Lichen]
ɁocohooɁ (spelling??)
Used to make a yellow dye for quills (K227)
??
banaacinɁ (spelling?) [K225 (a rock lichen)]
FUNGI/MUSHROOMS
Mushrooms in general
tos-eɁeinoo-uh (spelling? – from Sifton) =
They have ??? heads
Dried 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
wústoonóokhooɁ
wústaanóokhooɁ
??
caacnooɁ (spelling??) [K225 (a fungus on birch)]
2560b, NB 44 gives this as ciityinoo, and says it was for wounds and sores, and
when set of fire, glows.
MOSS
General word
haccáan (spelling? – from Sifton)
25
Unidentified Medicinal Plants (details on uses are in Kroeber)
NAME
MEANING
PAGE REFERENCE
(Alfred Kroeber “Ethnology
of the Gros Ventre”)
báakyékɁi
‘hand’
2560b, NB 44, small piece laid in cold water, the drunk to make
delivery easy. Name based on shape of root.
K225
‘red medicine’
K224
kyaakyaanitoo-h (sp.?)
??
Described in 2560b, NB 44 as a root, growing in swampy country, soaked
in water, then the black part kept, grated, mixed with water, and applied
to a sore neck.
K225
c-aaɁaanoo-uh
‘bunches’?
2560b, NB 44: used for perfume, hair wash, tea - which makes hair grow.
Branches used for perfume. Tea was poured down nostrils for headache.
K227
Ɂayoot(o)h (sp.?)
??
2560b, 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.
K225
Ɂiinoosaanitoo-h (sp.?)
??
2560b, NB 44, A bark, not grow in GV area, chewed or drink, for
hemorrhages or pain in the back.
K226
Ɂiniitsooh (sp?)
??(=horn?)
2560b, NB 44, roots of a grass, boiled, the water used for pain and sores.
K225
beɁ-osiɁ
2560b, NB 44, redish when fresh, used for diarrhea.
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’??
A tea was made from this, leaves growing in the mountains. 2560b, NB 44
(Kaakaatyikouh). Later in same MSS defines this as ‘flat leaf’ and says
was used for general medicine.
kouhuuyoo-h
‘sticky’
K226
K225
26
2560b, NB 44, chewed, then made into a paste. For sores. A low plant
with sharp leaves.
niniicitoo-h
‘hollow’
K226
For horses, drunk as tea for colds, plant very much like wild parsnip (2560b, NB 44)
niihoon-aɁaanoo-uh
‘yellow heads’
2560b, NB 44. Grows by water, drunk as tea for sickness in body and pain
in the back.
K225
nii-tosiɁoo-h
‘sharp’
2560b, 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.
K225
niɁibyoootɁi
‘smells good’
K227
2560b, NB 44 identifies a ‘perfume’ which was the stems and leaves of a small plant.
now-osiɁ
Root of a water plant, eaten for colds (2560b, NB 44)
‘fish medicine’
tóutitóoɁ
‘mixture’ (for smoking)
[Taylor Dict]
K226
wonoosi-byooo-Ɂ
‘smelling loud’
In 2560b, NB 44, this looks like nonoosi-byooo-Ɂ. It was smoked in a pipe
for headaches.
K226
wonou-wosiɁ
‘wart medicine’
In 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.
K224
Ɂítaan-wosíɁ
‘woman-medicine’ (love medicine)
[Taylor Dict]
27
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
new moon
Moon and Sun
biikóóú-síisɁi = night-light
Ɂthe one travelingɁ (Cooper)
Ɂíniisíísoyooh
Ɂiniit-eiɁiit-iisiisɁi(?)= complete-?-light (Sifton)
ɁiníísíiiɁoo-kɁi = grown to maturity-it
Ɂonóóúci-Ɂ = ‘it is visible’
‘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-they
bóóh-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
3 stars in orionɁs belt
2 stars below orionɁs belt
ɁótoɁ; botoɁ [Sifton]; ɁotouhoɁ (Sifton)
‘buffalo bulls’ (K280) = Ɂanáákyaanoh
‘hunters’ (K280) = ɁíínooɁéíhóóh
Sun
sun dogs
ɁíísíisɁi
ɁiisiisɁi wonoo-wokitonaa-ch = ‘the sun is
lighting a fire’ [Sifton]
ɁiisiisɁi nii-wokitonouhu-kɁi = ‘the sun is
lighting a fire for itself’
Ɂiisiiϴ-otoo = sun-??? (Kr 2560b)
moonlight
full moon
sun rays
located in the sky
Ɂonóóúci-Ɂ = it hangs
28
THE 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
February
totóó-úsíisɁi = ‘in-between month’
béih-ííísíisɁi = ‘treacherous, tricky month’
March
nohɁóúɁaanoh Ɂóhuu-tóyaɁáá-ch = ‘when snow insects bite’
April
April
April
April
April
ɁínɁ Ɂóhuu-bíísikoo-Ɂ = ‘when the leaves appear’
Ɂóhuu-béniiɁówu-h = ‘when it thaws’
báániiɁowúúsih = ‘thawing month’
ɁínɁ Ɂóhuu-bíítotoo-h = ‘when grass appears’
béniiɁowúú-úsíisɁi = ‘thawing month’
May
May
ɁínɁ Ɂóh-oooɁóotootaa-h = ‘when blizzards end’
Ɂóhuu-bíítotóo-h = ‘when the grass appears’
June
June
ɁinɁ ɁihéyoɁúwunoh Ɂohúú-útitée-ih = ‘when serviceberries are ripe’
bíínoh Ɂohúú-útitéé-íh = ‘when berries are ripe’
July
July
Ɂiitétoocíibinoh Ɂóhuu-utetohɁu-ch = ‘gooseberries when ripe’
bííkini-báási-bétaan-ííísíiisɁ = ‘summer big holiday month’
August
August
August
tóóyóóúnoɁó-Ɂ = ‘it is fall’
Ɂóhuu-tóyóóúnoɁó-Ɂ = ‘when it is fall’
ɁínɁ toyohúwunoh Ɂóhúú-útitée-ih = ‘when chokecherries are ripe’
September
Ɂóhuu-cíikyááá-ch téɁiyoonóhooɁ = ‘when the children go in’
October
October
Ɂóhuu-k(y)énikoo-Ɂ = ‘when leaves fall’
Ɂóhuu-kénité-Ɂ biiciisiih = ‘when leaves fall’
November
báasíkénéé-ísíiisɁ = ‘turkey month’
December
kécini-báasi-bétaan-ííísíisɁi = ‘winter big holy day’