Sweetgrass Braids

Hierochlöe odorata

Beautiful sweetgrass braids from Canada. These are collected by First Nations families for us each year ("First Nations" is the Canadian equivalent of "Native American"). Sweetgrass is considered sacred by many peoples of North America. The smoke of burning sweetgrass is said to purify and clear objects, places, and people. Often found in medicine bundles and sometimes packed with dance clothes to keep them fresh.

For 2009-2010, we have three grades/styles available:

• Our select braids are very fine quality and quite large, averaging about 24 inches with some as long as 30 inches. They are approximately 1 inch in diameter and 1 ounce by weight.
• Our extra long select braids are very fine quality and average 32-38 inches. They are approximately 1 inch in diameter and 1¼ ounces by weight.
• The tight weave are made with extra care and are very densly woven. They are about 20 inches long and ½ inch in diameter. They are quite solid, almost like rope. This season, they are less green than usual as they were made very late when the grass was beginning to turn. Very limited stock (less than 100).

 As all of our braids are hand-picked and braided, there is always variation.