ARECACEAE, Reichenb. (Palm Family)
The palmetto (Sabal palmetto, Walt.) seems to have been an article of commerce as it was used by the Winnebago and the Iroquois, north of its northern limit of distribution. It was also used by the Cherokee. The Winnebago used the fiber in the production of stiff cords for their bags. In three bags in the American Museum the stiff cords are made from this material (50-7531). For burden straps the Iroquois used this fiber to produce stiff strong cords which were covered with cotton or other soft fiber (AMNH 50.1-1954). The Cherokee used it in the manufacture of basketry (AMNH 50.1-2141).
BROMELIACEAE, J. St. Hil. (Pineapple Family)
This Florida moss (Tillandsia usneoides, L.) was found in specimens from the Southern States only. The Koasati and the people who built certain mounds in Florida used it frequently. A specimen in the United States National Museum from the Parish Mound, Number 2, in Florida, consisted of a bunch of loose material. The Koasati material is in the Museum of the American Indian, Heye Foundation, and is represented by fibers from a blanket and threads on a spindle (1-8551).
DRACAENACEAE, Link. (Yucca Family)
Yucca (Yucca arkansana, Trelease) was encountered in one specimen from the Arkansas Bluff culture in a bundle of loose fiber (MAIHF 11-7429).
Yucca (Yucca filamentosa, L.) was found once in a heavy cord made by the cave and shelter people of Ohio (OSHAM 332-42)
Nolina georgiana, Michx., was found in two specimens, a moccasin (OSHAM 332) and a bristle-like fiber from the Spiro Mound (2718-K, Trowbridge Collection). It is possible that this plant may have been used very frequently in objects from caves and rock-shelters. It was not always convenient, however, to examine complete objects so that some occurrences of its use may have been overlooked, especially since these people commonly mixed several fibers. In the specimen in question, for example (OSHAM 332), Nolina georgiana and Eryngium yuccaefolium were identified. Similar combinations of fibers from widely different plants have also been noted; frequently, as in the example cited, a local plant was mixed with one found at a great distance.
JUNIPERACEAE, Horan (Juniper Family)
Red cedar (Juniperus virginiana, L.) was encountered in only one specimen, a bag made by the Potawatomi Indians (AMNH 50.1-7096).