-------------------- chinsool -- elder bush, elderberries ----------------------

chinsool -- elder bush, elderberries

Pronunciation:
  Like "chun - SOLE" (Listen)

Etymology:

  Ching means "wood, tree, stick."
  Sool means "hollow, pithy."
  Thus, chinsool means "hollow/pithy wood," an apt description.

Culture:

  Chinsool is a very useful material due to the fact that it has a wide pith that can easily be removed, leaving a nice hollow stick. The Naahneesh made use of this property for two musical instruments:

    tilbil -- flute (Listen)
      The flute was about one and a half feet long, had six holes, was stopped with pitch at the end, and was whittled at one end to form the mouthpiece. It was played for courting (according to Loeb) and enjoyment (Essene).

    chin-tilghaal -- split-stick rattle (Listen) A rhythm instrument used in social and sacred dances, and in doctoring. The stick was split along most of its length so that it clapped together when struck against the other hand, like the theatrical "slapstick."

Related Languages:

  Lassik, Southern Sinkyone, Wailaki: kyensool
  Northern Sinkyone: kyinsool'
  Mattole: taatsolii
  Bear River: teemaase
  Hupa: ch'iwhowh

-------------------------
Sally Anderson
sally@turtlenodes.com
Cahto Language Home Page