Hidatsa Shield Figure (Ama’ca ita’ wina’ki matu’hica)
(Ama’ca ita’ wina’ki matu’hica, Hidatsa Shield Figure)
(Pole) An heirloom traditionally grown by the Hidatsa tribe in the Missouri River Valley 1 of North Dakota. It is cited for having excellent disease resistance. 2
This variety was described in the 1917 book ‘Buffalo Bird Woman’s Garden’, originally published as ‘The Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians’, by Maxi’diwiac (Buffalo Bird Woman) (ca. 1839–1932). 1, 2
“When the pounded corn meal had now all cooked and the salt has been added, the beans were put in-red, spotted, black, or shield-figured, we did not have white beans in very old times; they were brought in by white men. The pot was now let boil until the beans were done. Beans were always added to the pot.” [1917, ‘Buffalo Bird Woman’s Garden’, by Maxi’diwiac (Buffalo Bird Woman)]
Days to Maturity: 90 days