The Importance of the Buffalo

What is a buffalo?

A buffalo, or bison, is a large cow-like animal, native to North America.

Why were the buffalo important to the Native Americans?

The Native Americans relied on the buffalo to support their nomadic lifestyle in many ways. They were used for food, but also for clothes, utensils, and a multitude of other uses.

How did Plains Indians use the various parts of the buffalo?

There were many uses of the buffalo.

• ❖ Buffalo skin (or hide) was used for tipi covers, shields, clothing, and shoes.
• ❖ The flesh of the buffalo was eaten.
• ❖ Buffalo fat was used for soap.
• ❖ Buffalo dung was used as fuel, and was smoked in ceremonies.
• ❖ Glue was made from the hooves of buffalo.
• ❖ Bowstrings were made from the sinews.
• ❖ The bones of buffalo were made into knives, jewellery, weapons, and toys.
• ❖ Buffalo horn was turned into cups and spoons.
• ❖ Buffalo tongue was used as a hairbrush.
• ❖ The fur of the buffalo was used for blankets, gloves, and padding for saddles.

Why did the buffalo almost become extinct?

After the Civil War, ex-soldiers and other white people went onto the Plains to shoot buffalo for sport. Numbers dropped so low that Native Americans could no longer sustain themselves, and were forced to live on reservations. By 1890 the buffalo had almost been hunted to extinction.

Why were the buffalo respected?

The many uses of the buffalo, combined with the Native American belief that all is sacred, meant that the buffalos were revered. This deep respect meant the Native Americans never wasted the buffalo, and used every part of them they could.