Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 0281-0014   CAS 0281-0014; Soaproot brush
Category Tools & Implements
Object Name Soaproot brush
Culture Mono or Yokuts
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. California
County Kern, Tulare, Kings, Fresno
Other Geographic Data Sierra Nevada Foothills
Maker's Name Emma Pumpkin
Date of Manufacture ca. 1960s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Soaproot bulb (Chloragalum pertidinum) fiber and paste; Bull pine pitch; String (?)
Description Brush made from outer fibers of boiled soaproot bulb; Fibers are probably tied in bundle with string and then covered on bound end with many layers of paste extracted from soaproot bulb mixed with pine pitch, forming handle; Used for multiple tasks, but especially for brushing the mortar and pestle while grinding acorns.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 9.5, Thickness = 3.5, Length = 18.6