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, handbags, 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.
