Wasco

Introduced in: Native Lights

Appearance
Wasco is a light tan-grey steed, with a darker tan mane and tail. He has tribal markings on his front flank and under his eyes, and wears two orange feathers in his mane.

Tribe
The tribe this steed is based on were located near the Columbia River Basin in the Pacific Northwest. They spoke the Chinookan language.

Wasco people lived on the south bank of the Columbia River near the present-day city of The Dalles, Oregon. The Wishram lived on the north bank, and these two people are sometimes considered one and referred to as the Wasco-Wishram. The Wasco-Wishram dwelled between the Plateau and Northwest Coast cultural areas. They spoke the same language.

In spring the Wasco women harvested roots for the Root Feast, a ceremony held in honor and gratitude to the Creator for the reemergence of life after the winter season. They were important middlemen in a vast trade network. From the east they received skins and the customs of the Great Plains tribes, from the west seafood and shells, and they traded with peoples from the north. Salmon was the staple item of trade and their main food source, and were available in abundant quantities in the Columbia River.

The Wasco-Wishram lived in villages each with its own leaders. The winter village was near the river and permanent and their main food source, and were available in abundant quantities in the Columbia River. The Wasco-Wishram lived in villages each with its own leaders. The winter village was near the river and permanent or semi-permanent in nature, with the houses constructed of cedar planks. In the summer they moved from camp to camp fishing, hunting, gathering berries, and digging roots.

Inspirational Message
"Look for new things to learn no matter where you are."