Home A - Z FAQ Online Library Discussion Forum Muir Weather Maps About Search

Yosemite > History > Ahwahnee Village > Mock Orange >

Next: Black Oak • Contents • Previous: Spicebush

Ahwahnee Village

Mock Orange
Philadelphus lewisii Leeha (Southern Miwok)

Mock Orange
[click to enlarge]
Mock Orange
The straight, second-year shoots of mock orange bushes were used by the Miwok to make arrows. The dense wood is tough and resilient, but surrounds a white, pithy center, making a lightweight finished arrow.

Miwok arrows form the mid-19th century were highly valued and renowned for their excellent workmanship. Indian Canyon (mata'), northeast of you (to the right of Yosemite Falls and Lost Arrow Spire), known for its supply of this arrow wood, was also called leemameti by the Miwok, meaning “mock orange place.”

By the end of the 19th century few Miwok people made or used bows and arrows, as rifles were preferred for hunting.


Next: Black Oak • Contents • Previous: Spicebush

Home A - Z FAQ Online Library Discussion Forum Muir Weather Maps About Search

http://www.yosemite.ca.us/ahwahnee_village/mock_orange.html