Cyndy Miller demonstrated cattail mat weaving at the workshop.
Methow elders Elaine Timentwa Emerson and Cyndy Miller welcomed nearly two dozen students last Saturday to x̌wnámxwnam/Hummingbird Ranch to learn how to weave cattails into a mat.
Emerson and Miller were joined by fellow artists and instructors Sylvia Jane Peasley, Bernadine Phillips and Omarian Hance.
In the weeks prior to the class, hundreds of cattails were harvested from the pond at x̌wnamx̌wnam ranch (formerly the Wagner Ranch). The cattails are a highly valued and versatile plant. Every part of the plant is edible.
The rhizomes and tender spring shoots are celebrated in traditional spring root feasts. The pollen can be used as a high-protein flour. For textile uses, the cattails natural fibers are pliable and strong. These are woven into clothing, household items, and baskets.
Emerson explained the unique value of the Methow Valley, all the food and medicines the Methow needed were right here.
“Everything we need grows here. That is unique to this valley and why conservation is important,” she said. She stressed the importance of educating young people about conservation and when, where, and how to gather, “so when they need it, it’s always here.”
To know when to harvest, the Methow would use the stars as an almanac. The seasons and constellations were guiding principles to determine the right time to harvest foods, medicines, and building materials.
To prepare cattails for weaving, the leaves are spread out to dry completely for two to three weeks. Once dry, the leaves are sorted by color and cut to length. The leaves are then placed in water to soak for about 30 minutes to rehydrate the material and make it pliable for weaving.
As students prepared the cattails, Emerson, Miller, Peasley and Phillips shared traditional knowledge of ethnobotany before Hance shared his knowledge of language and weaving with the class. The smiling portrait of his great-great-grandmother, Lucy Lakekin Jim, hung on the wall behind him. The group then made the rounds of the room, offering guidance as students wove cattails into mats.
Emerson hopes to see more young people learn harvesting and crafting. She welcomes everyone who practices a craft to come share their knowledge at x̌wnamx̌wnam.
“Learning artwork is a two-way street,” she said, encouraging artists to reach out, “quilters … someone said they built birdhouses, I’d love to learn how to build a birdhouse!”
The mətx?u/Methow Descendants invite the community to “Meet the mətx?u” on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 1-3 p.m. The event is free and open to all who wish to learn more about traditional activities. x̌wnamx̌wnam ranch is located at 523 B East Chewuch Road north of Winthrop. To learn more, visit www.methowdescendants.org.
