The _eryngium_ (_Eryngium yuccaefolium_, Michx.) was commonly used by
the prehistoric tribes of the area in which it occurs. It was found
fifty-five times in material from the caves and rock-shelters of
Arkansas, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Ohio. Its parallel veined long
leaves lend themselves to all uses as readily as the yuccas of the
south and west. It is easily shredded or it can be used entire with
equal facility. The stem contains a very strong bast fiber which was
also utilized. It does not seem to have been utilized by the historic
Indians, as it was not encountered outside of the above cultures.
Whatever, if any, treatment it received before usage was very slight
and consisted apparently of shredding, with no chemical treatment, as
no fine threads or cords were found. A sandal from the Kentucky cave
culture is made from this plant by utilizing the leaf, as in the
Southwest. A cord from a reed mat found in the Tennessee caves (USNM
132252) is made from this material. The cord was used for tying reeds
(_Typha latifolia_, L.) together. The Museum of the American Indian,
Heye Foundation, contains many specimens taken from the caves and
rock-shelters of Arkansas. Among these is a bag (11-7315) from Allards
Bluff, made of this material.
This plant was frequently encountered in collections from the Hopewell
and the rock-shelter cultures of Ohio, in the State Museum at
Columbus; as, braided work (957), and cloth from a burial (854). These
objects are believed to be typical, but the same plant was used in all
classes of cordage and textiles found in collections representing
these cultures.