Niobrara in Knox County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Buffalo's Gift
Maize and Early Ponca Agriculture
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
1. The Buffalo's Gift Marker
Unlike most other Plains Indians, our people grew maize and kept vegetable gardens. Tribal teachings tell of how corn was discovered:
Once there was a camp located between two creeks. Seven buffalo stood at the mouth of these creeks. Our people went after them in hunt, but they disappeared. In their place were seven piles of manure with tiny plants sprouting. The head chief was called in and it was decided to let them grow and ripen. When we returned tall stalks stood and a man in the camp called Mii-sah husked one of the ears and started a fire. He roasted it and ate some of it and said it was good. We called it Wah-tan-zee.
Corn became a staple food in our diet. At planting time, we used our fingers to press a ‘buffalo track’ in the earth and then dropped a maize seed in. Our people also grew beans, squash, pumpkins and watermelon.
We grew corn in many varieties, including red corn, gray corn, red-speckled corn and sweet corn.
Our people have long grown maize and kept vegetable gardens. Our relationship with Mother Earth has always been one of reciprocity and respect.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Animals • Native Americans.
Location. 42° 42.81′
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Water Invites Reflection (a few steps from this marker); Our Village Homes (within shouting distance of this marker); Symbol of Our Spirit (within shouting distance of this marker); Water's Edge (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); An Ocean of Grass (about 400 feet away); Our Ponca Tribal Community Building (about 500 feet away); I Carry My Home With Me (about 500 feet away); Pow Wow! (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Niobrara.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Ponca Educational Trail
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 7, 2021
2. The Buffalo's Gift Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on February 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 27, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 27, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
