Moson Kahni facts for kids

Moson Kahni was an important winter home for the Northern Shoshone tribe during the 1800s. It is found in the Cache Valley, in parts of what are now the towns of Franklin and Preston in Idaho. In the Shoshoni language, Moson Kahni means "Home of the Lungs." This name came from the many rocks found there, called holocrystalline syeno-diorite, which looked like lungs to the Shoshone people. Moson Kahni was a key shelter and a permanent winter camp for the tribe.

What Was Moson Kahni?

Moson Kahni was a special place where the Northern Shoshone tribe would spend their winters. It was more than just a temporary camp; it was a permanent winter home. This meant the tribe would return to this same spot year after year when the weather turned cold.

Why Was It Important?

For the Northern Shoshone, Moson Kahni was very important for survival. During the harsh winter months, finding shelter and food was a big challenge. Moson Kahni offered a safe and reliable place to stay. It provided protection from the cold and was likely a good spot for hunting or gathering resources needed to get through winter. Having a permanent winter encampment like Moson Kahni helped the tribe stay strong and healthy.

The Name "Home of the Lungs"

The name Moson Kahni, meaning "Home of the Lungs," is quite unique. It comes from the type of rock found in the area, called syeno-diorite. This rock has a specific look, and to the Shoshone people, it resembled lungs. This shows how closely the tribe observed and named features of their natural environment.

Moson Kahni in Popular Culture

Even today, Moson Kahni is remembered. It appears in the turn-based strategy video game Civilization V. In the Civilization V: Brave New World expansion pack, Moson Kahni is featured as the capital city of the playable Shoshone civilization. This helps introduce the historical significance of Moson Kahni to a wider audience through gaming.