The Grace Hudson Museum is hosting an event Saturday that will teach participants how to work with dogbane, a plant used by Native Americans to make rope and netting.
Called the Dogbane Cordage Workshop, the event is co-sponsored by the Sanhedrin Chapter of the California Native Plant Society, which explains that the workshop will be led by “cultural educator Tektekh Gabaldon, (who will speak) about the cultural uses of dogbane, and (demonstrate) how to make dogbane cordage.”
According to Wikipedia, “Apocynum cannabinum is a perennial herb that is native to California, and also found elsewhere in North America, and also called prairie dogbane, Indian hemp, or wild cotton. It is poisonous to humans, dogs, cats, and horses,” but pollinators such as the hummingbird moth feed on it, and it hosts the larvae of many insects.
As for use by humans, Wikipedia explains that “the stalks of Apocynum cannabinum have been used as a source of fiber by Native Americans to make bows, fire-bows, nets, tie down straps, hunting nets, fishing lines, bags, and clothing.”
“It is super cool,” Alyssa Boge, the museum’s Curator of Education & Exhibits, said of dogbane, explaining that it is grown in the museum’s Wild Gardens, and is particularly good for cordage “because it has really strong, long fibers” that, if carefully nurtured and processed, can be used to make strong rope and netting.
“I always love working with dogbane, I love the warm, earthy color of it,” Boge continued, noting that attendees can make bracelets by stringing pine nuts onto dogbane that has been formed into yarn-like rope. The pine nuts will be provided along with the dogbane, which Boge said Gabaldon will be bringing with her.
“She will be harvesting the dogbane for the workshop,” said Boge, describing herself as more of a novice when it comes to growing and harvesting dogbane for cordage, which is a careful process designed to form branches that will create the best fibers.
The museum describes the workshop as “appropriate for ages 10 and older, and is free with Museum admission. Museum admission is free for all active Museum Members, Native Americans, and active-duty Military.”
As of Tuesday evening, Boge said there were spaces available in the workshop. To reserve your spot, call Grace Hudson Museum at (707) 467-2836.
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