How The Tribes Used The Buffalo

For the Native American tribes of the Great Plains, the bison was not just a source of food—it was the cornerstone of their entire way of life. Every part of the animal was used with intention, respect, and ingenuity, reflecting a deep spiritual and practical relationship between the people and the land. When a bison was harvested, nothing was wasted. The tribes honored the animal by making use of its body in ways that supported every aspect of survival—food, shelter, clothing, tools, and ceremony.

The meat was, of course, the most immediate source of sustenance. It was roasted, boiled, or dried into pemmican—a mixture of lean meat, fat, and sometimes berries, that could be stored for long periods and carried during migrations or hunts. The organs were considered delicacies, especially the liver and heart, often eaten raw shortly after the kill for their nutritional value and spiritual power.

The hide was among the most versatile parts. It could be tanned and softened to create clothing, moccasins, robes, tipi coverings, bags, and blankets. A winter hide, with its thick fur, was particularly prized for warmth. Hides were also painted with stories, calendars, or tribal histories. Rawhide, which is untanned skin dried and hardened, was used for shields, drumheads, and containers.

Bones became tools. Ribs were transformed into sleds or snowshoes; long bones became scrapers, knives, or needles; jawbones were turned into war clubs or ceremonial implements. Shoulder blades could be used as hoes for farming. The horns became powder horns, cups, or ladles, and sometimes adorned headdresses or were shaped into spoons and toys.

The sinew (tendons) was dried and turned into strong thread or bowstrings. It was highly valued because of its durability and strength. The bladder and stomach were cleaned and used as containers to carry water, cook soup, or store food. Even the dung—dried into what was known as "buffalo chips"—was used as fuel for fire in the treeless Plains.

Hair was used for ropes, stuffing, or woven into ornaments and bridles. The skull often held sacred significance and was used in religious rituals, left on altars or atop hills as offerings to the spirits or to Wakan Tanka—the Great Spirit. The tail became a fly swatter or was used decoratively.

Children were taught from a young age to recognize the uses of each part of the animal and to treat it with reverence. The bison was never killed recklessly. Harvesting a bison meant invoking gratitude and practicing restraint, reinforcing the belief that humans were part of a larger natural cycle.

In every sinew, bone, and hide, the bison represented life, generosity, and survival. For centuries, this sacred animal sustained entire nations—not just through its body, but through the spiritual and communal bonds its presence helped forge.

To learn more about the lives of the Plains Tribes, check out the HOKC video linked below! Brought to you only by History At The OK Corral: Home Of History’s Greatest Shootouts & Showdowns!