mázaskaŋ
The Lakota word for money is mázaskaŋ.
mázaskaŋ is used to refer to currency.
Meaning: currency (noun)
Did you know?
- The word mázaskaŋ is derived from mázaska, which means 'shell'. This refers to the cowrie shells that were used as currency in other parts of the world and were introduced to the Plains tribes through trade.
- Before the widespread use of mázaskaŋ, wealth in Lakota culture was often measured by tangible assets like horses or buffalo hides rather than abstract currency.
- While mázaskaŋ refers to the currency itself, discussing 'wealth' in a traditional sense might involve words related to 'abundance' or 'blessing' rather than just currency.
Examples in context
- Mázaskaŋ yečháŋtȟan.There is a lot of money.
Example conversation
Darrell and Glenda are talking about buying food.
- DarrellMázaskaŋ hýa?Do you have money?
- GlendaHé, mázaskaŋ iǧúŋyaŋ.Yes, I have money.
- DarrellHáŋu tȟíŋtka wašté tȟókhečha.Let's buy some good food.
- GlendaHé, tȟókhečha.Yes, let's buy it.
