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Many forms of tobacco are used by Indians as the plant is found throughout
the United States. The chanshasha found in this picture is a gift
from my tahanshi and his family, Mr. and Mrs. Parnell and Grace
Necklace and their children, Martina, Daniel, and Samuel.
Chanshasha is found along streams, it is the plant that has a very
red skin. It is harvested before the first lightning storm of the spring.
It too must be blessed by prayer and use of sage, tobacco, cedar, or sweet
grass when being taken. The stems are broken above the ground, leaving the roots, then stored until dry. The skin is taken off, then the wood underneath is shaved into strips that are used in ceremonies where tobacco is needed. It is a mellow and pleasant smoke. |
The photograph is courtesy of Mr. Shane Schroder. Pidamayo.
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14 February 2002, lrb