TREES OF LIFE

Weastern red cedar and yellow-cedar were among the most important plants when it comes to the the native people of the Pacific north-west. Between the two they provided virtually everything they needed, from birth to death. They provided shelter, clothing, tools, and transportation. It was said cedar was their cradle and cedar was their coffin.

Spring was the best time to collect red cedar bark. Every year young girls,along with their mother and grandmother, trekked into the woods looking for a suitable tree. They were looking for trees that were half a yard in diameter, had to be straight and tall with a lack of lower branches to get in the way. When the tree was located, they stood under it and said a traditional prayer.

Then the work started. First a horizontal cut was was placed in the bark, 3 feet or more, about a 3rd of the circumference around. They then used a wedge to separate the strips of bark from the tree. The shape of which would be that of an upside down “V.” The length of the largest strips could be upwards of 9 yards! Then the bark was hung to dry, beaten, then separated into layers ready for the makeing of things like baskets, rope, and mats.

Yellow-cedar took quite a bit more time to prep. The extra time was spent boiling the bark to remove the pitch. After being de-pitched it was beaten then made into mats that could be weaved into blankets. Yellow-cedar was preferred to red cedar because of its softness. It was frequently interwoven with down from water fowl or mountain goat wool. This yellow- cedar fabric was renowned for its ability to repel water. This was of upmost importance for a people that had to endure the long rainy winters of the Pacific north-west. Shredded bark could also be used as a makeshift bandage.

It’s remarkable how these coastal tribes had uses for every part. For example, in open areas roots were dug from just outside the overhanging branches. These roots were the newest and still pliable. The outer bark was removed from these green roots, and then split length wise. They utilized these to craft baskets and cradles.
Red cedar
Photo by sapper11g
Location Long Lake, Washigton State