How the buffalo was so important to the native American

Indians

The buffalo was one of the most important things in the Native American
Indians lives as it’s used for almost every thing they used in their lives.

A. Brains - Hide, preparation

B. Skull - Ceremonies, sun dance, prayer

C. Horns - Cups, fire carrier, powder horn, spoons, ladles, headdresses,

signals, toys

D. Tongue - Best part of meat

E. Beard - Ornamentation or apparel and weapons

F. Rawhide - Containers, clothing, headdresses, food, medicine bags,

shields, buckets, moccasin soles, rattles, drums, drumsticks, splints,
cinches, ropes, thongs, saddles, stirrups, knife cases, bull boats, quirts,
armbands, lance cases, horse masks, horse forehead ornaments, bullet
pouches, belts

G. Buckskin - Moccasin tops, cradles, winter robes, bedding,

breechclouts, shirts, leggings, belts, dresses, pipe bags, pouches, paint
bags, quivers, tipi covers, gun cases, lance covers, coup flag covers,
dolls

H. Hoof & Feet - Glue, rattles

I. Meat - (every part eaten) pemmican (converted), hump ribs - immed.,

jerky (converted), inner parts eaten on the spot

J. Four Chambered Stomach - first stomach content: frostbite & skin

diseases, liner: container for carrying and storing water, cooking vessel
K. Scrotum - Rattles

L. Bladder - Sinew pouches, quill pouches, small medicine bags

M. Paunch - Lining for buckets, cups, basins, dishes

N. Skin of hind leg - Moccasins or boots

O. Buffalo Chips - Fuel, signals, ceremonial smoking

P. Tail - Medicine switch, fly brush, lodge exterior decorations, whips

Q. Bones - Knives, arrowheads (ribs) , shovels, splints, winter sleds,

arrow strengtheners, saddle trees, war clubs, scrapers (ribs), quirts,
awls, paint brushes (hipbones), game dice

R. Muscles - Sinew: bows, thread, arrows, cinches, glue

S. Hair - Headdresses, saddle pad filler, pillows, ropes, ornaments,

halters, medicine balls

T. Whole Animal - Totem, clan symbol, white buffalo sacred, adult

yellow rare-prized
The buffalo meant a lot of different things to most of America's Native
People's. They were food and clothing, tools and utensils, and most of
all a Spirit being blessing the peoples with everything they needed to
survive.
Understandably, then a major part of Indian life was oriented in and
around the buffalo herds. They moved with them during all but the
winter months. The buffalo's habits and kinds were studied intensely,
and in time the Indians put virtually every part of the beast to some
utilitarian use. In fact, it is almost astounding to see a graphic
breakdown of the uses made of him, of his hide, of his organs, of his
muscles, of his bones, and of his horns and hoofs. It is slight wonder
that the Indians reverenced the buffalo, related him directly to the Great
Creator, and is a natural symbol for the universe, and no doubt the other
tribes accorded him a like honour.