Imanit; Tapernat
Leymus mollis (Trin.) Pilg. = Elymus arenarius L.
Plant
The single most important grass species for the Kodiak Alutiiq is beach rye. This tall, stout grass of coastal beaches has long, thick flower clusters and long, wide, flat leaves.
Material: Used as roofing material, insulation for clothing, houses, and food storage pits, mattresses, to cover floors, as a surface for cutting fish and game, for steam bath switches, and as a weaving material. People weave mats, mittens, socks, cups, backpacks, and other items from beach rye. The roots and rhizomes are collected to make taariq, scrubbers used in the steam bath.
