STAKE NO. 10.
Yucca (Yucca baccata). Also known as “Soapweed” or “Spanish Bayonet.” This plant was most important in the economy of the early cliff dwellers. It furnished all of the necessities of life, namely food, shelter, and clothing. The Yucca is pollinated by a small moth whose larvæ feed on the seeds. The Indians prized the fruit, buds, flowers, and stalks for food. Its fiber was used for baskets, mats, cloth, rope and sandals. Leaves were sometimes laid across rafters or vigas in buildings and covered with mud for roofs. The root makes good soap.
YUCCA
FOOD Flower Stalk Fruit Seeds Nets and Snares for catching Birds and Animals for Food SHELTER Cover and tie Roof Beams Floor Mats Tie Rungs in Ladders CEREMONIAL OBJECTS SOAP CLOTHING Sandals Robes made of Yucca fiber and wrapped with rabbit fur or feathers Loincloths UTILITARIAN OBJECTS Baskets, Bags Quivers Burden Baskets Tump Strap