Saturday, August 18

A Magnificent Beast

This gorgeous buffalo was grazing beside the road. Isn't he a magnificent beast? I've always loved seeing buffalo. Not far from here you can see them grazing in a field, but not usually grazing beside the highway. We were lucky to have seen this when the camera was handy. Notice the brand on his flank.

North American Aboriginals used every part of a buffalo that they killed, unlike the Europeans who slaughtered them and were encouraged to do so by the government. Here are a few things that buffalo contributed to the Natives.

Horns:
Arrow Points
Utensils (cups, ladles, spoons)
Powder horns
Decorative headdresses
Medication

Bones:
Knives, Pipes
Arrowheads
Splints
Shovels
War clubs
Fat:
Candle Tallow
Lubricant
Soap

Tails:
Ornamental Decoration
Fly brush
Whip
Hair:
Decorative headdresses
Ropes
Pad and pillow filler
Moccasin lining

Muscles:
Glue
Thread
Arrow ties
Stomach Liner:
Water container

Gall and Blood:
Decorative Paint
Skull:
Rituals

Beard and Teeth:
Ornamentation
Bladder:
Medicine Bag

Hooves:
Glue
Scrotum:
Ceremonial rattle

Liver:
Hide Tanning
Manure Chips:
Fuel
Tendons:
Sewing
Bowstrings

Hide:
Moccasins
Buckets
Drums
Splints
Ropes
Saddles and Stirrups
Snow shoes



Today, meat is the primary revenue generator for the bison industry. In addition, businesses that make use of other parts of the animal have flourished as well.

For Instance:
Skulls are bleached and used for decorative purposes.
Horns are made into decorative polished costume jewelry and buttons.
Hair is manufactured into sweaters, coats and robes.
Hides are used for the manufacture of leather furniture. (Everything from foot stools to full size sofas are available.)
Bison leather is also used for the manufacture of hats, coats, vests, ha
ndbags, shoes and boots.
You can even purchase a Tanned Hide Teepee in today's market.

In my part of the country, buffalo are bred with beef and we can purchase beefalo. Some places also sell buffalo meat.

8 comments:

  1. They are beautiful animals and you can't help but think of their history with the Native Americans when you see them.

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  2. Interesting information. I knew the natives used many parts of animals but not this much. I've never eaten Buffalo. The price is very high here.

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  3. Mary, we did a project in school with the students where they had to list all that a buffalo was used for by our First Nations People. I give you an A+.

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  4. Thank you, Jackie. I haven't had an A+ in years. LOL

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  5. Hello my friend...... bet you are surprised to see me here..... I am working up all my energy to get back to the blog....... seems these days I am having to work up energy to do anything......... got to get my mojo back.. We have Buffalo not far from here in a National Park. What a site they are......... Cannot imagine them roaming free......... Hope all is well with you and family..... I will be back more often now.......... I so miss the blog.

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  6. All I can say is "the white man finally learned." In the country I was taught to harvest animals to eat not for sport. Peace

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  7. Hello Mary. I am going to give blogging another try. Thanks for the info on Bison and Buffalo. I am just now seeing Bison meat in the local Kroger Store in Jonesboro. I've never tried it, but heard it is very good and healthy for you. May have to try it sometime. No Buffalo around here. They are all out West. Never had any of their meat either. Hope all is well with you and yours. Take care and GOD Bless you dearly.

    Love and Hugs,

    Karen H.

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  8. Hi Mary, I hope you're doing well, really miss your blogging!!

    Here's a little poem I'm sharing with everyone today...

    This is Halloween

    Goblins on the doorstep,
    Phantoms in the air,
    Owls on witches' gate posts,
    Giving stare for stare.

    Cats on flying broomsticks,
    Bats against the moon,
    Stirring round of fate-cakes,
    With a solemn spoon.

    Whirling apple parings,
    Figures draped in sheets,
    Dodging, disappearing,
    Up and down the streets.

    Jack-o'-lanterns grinning,
    Shadows on a screen,
    Shrieks and starts and laughter--
    This is Halloween!

    Happy Halloween, dear Mary, make sure you come by my blog today for my Halloween Bash and see what costume I dressed you up in! hehe xoxo

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