Research Catalog

Title

Thompson ethnobotany : knowledge and usage of plants by the Thompson Indians of British Columbia / Nancy J. Turner ... [et al.].

Publication

Victoria : Royal British Columbia Museum, 1990.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Holdings

Details

Additional Authors

• Turner, Nancy J., 1947-
• Royal British Columbia Museum

Description

335 p. : ill.; 28 cm.

Summary

"At least 350 species of native plants were recognized and named by the Thompson Indian people, based on ethnographic records and interviews with contemporary Thompson speakers. Most of these plants were used in traditional Thompson life as foods, medicine or materials. In addition, nearly 40 species of introduced plants and plant products have been named recently in Thompson. Plants were a significant traditional food source; edible fruits and roots, mushrooms, greens and other plant products were preserved in quantity for year-round utilization, and were widely traded both within and outside the Thompson area. Woods, barks, roots and fibres were vital in Thompson technology, providing materials for shelter, utensils, and clothing, and other essential features of Thompson life. Medicinal plants comprised the bulk of species used by the Thompson. Plant medicines varied greatly in their preparation and application. Few have been tested pharmacologically. Thompson territory lies within several different ecological zones; hence vegetation varied considerably within it, and this factor encouraged active distribution of resources through trade. During times of famine, certain plant foods, such as cactus, were particularly significant in preventing widespread starvation. Only a few native plant species are actively used by Thompson people today. Wild plant foods are largely restricted to several types of berries, a few mushroom species, and one or two species each of greens and 2roots.3 With few exceptions, only members of the oldest generation are still using traditional medicines."

Series Statement

Royal British Columbia Museum memoir, 0843-5383 ; no. 3

Uniform Title

Memoir (Royal British Columbia Museum) no. 3.

Subject

• Ntlakyapamuk Indians > Ethnobotany
• Indians of North America > Ethnobotany > Thompson River Region
• Ethnobotany > Thompson River Region
• Indians, North American
• Ethnobotany

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references (p. 297-304).

Processing Action (note)

• committed to retain

Contents

Introduction -- Role of plants in Thompson culture -- Inventory of plant species named and/or used by the Thompson -- Summary and conclusions.

ISBN

077188916X

LCCN

cn^90092056^

OCLC

• 1029911506
• SCSB-10265102

Owning Institutions

Harvard Library