For Northern Arapaho and Eastern Shoshone peoples, Buffalo once served as the primary source of sustenance and survival.
The durable hides formed our homes and clothing, and the bones and sinew crafted essential tools and toys. Of course, Buffalo were also a critical food source that sustained us through countless seasons – it was truly utilized “horn to hoof” with every part of the animal being valued and used, whether for food, clothing, shelter, or ceremonial purposes.
Buffalo are a bountiful provider, and a cornerstone of our existence. Our Initiative’s work extends beyond restoring herds to the land — it is about rekindling a deep cultural connection, honoring ancient wisdom, and ensuring that future generations have access to the incredible gifts the animals offer.
While modern life has changed our relationship with Buffalo, our reverence and commitment to utilizing every part of the animal remain central to our philosophy. This respect is an intrinsic part of our traditional practices and a vital lesson we pass on to our youth. When a Buffalo is harvested, it is done with ceremony and gratitude, acknowledging the life given to sustain our people.
Our “Buffalo boxes” give students a hands-on opportunity to connect with and learn about the Buffalo. Far right: Stormy Friday gives a clasroom presentation on the traditional uses of Buffalo.
Traditional Uses of Buffalo
As wild Buffalo once again become an integral part of our diet – alongside other foods like elk, deer, and antelope – we also revere their countless traditional uses. Learning from “Buffalo Boxes” in classrooms and on field trips, Wind River youth are gaining hands-on experience with the Buffalo’s many contributions after harvest:
Hides: Buffalo hides were traditionally transformed into durable tipi covers to provide shelter, warm winter robes that offered protection against the elements, and intricate bedding. Rawhide can find its place in drums for ceremony, containers for storage, and moccasin soles. Hides can also be used to construct everyday necessities like buckets, straps, ropes, and dresses.
Bones: The robust bones of the Buffalo can be fashioned into utensils, knives, and hoes for gardening. Smaller bones can be sharpened into awls for sewing, needles, and scrapers for preparing hides. Beyond utility, they can be crafted into tools, toys, and even game pieces.
Horns: Strong and versatile Buffalo horns can be carved into spoons, ladles, cups, and ceremonial rattles. They also once served as durable containers for gunpowder, and can be shaped into headdresses or ornaments.
Sinew and Tendons: These strong, fibrous tissues can be processed to create durable thread for sewing hides, as well as powerful bowstrings that propel arrows.
Stomachs and Bladders: Cleaned and dried, these internal organs can become remarkably practical water containers, cooking vessels, and storage pouches. The stomach, when lined in a pit and filled with water, may even be used as a cooking vessel.
Fat (Tallow): Rendered fat, or tallow, can be utilized for cooking, creating soaps and hair grease, and as a crucial ingredient in pemmican, a nutrient-dense survival food that once sustained our people through long, harsh winters.
Hair and Wool: Their thick, insulating hair can be used to stuff pillows and dolls. It can also be expertly woven into strong ropes or braided for intricate ornaments and regalia. Even today, birds instinctively use Buffalo hair for their nests, showing its natural utility.
Hooves and Dew Claws: These can be boiled down to make strong glue, essential for many traditional crafts. They can also be fashioned into rattles and wind chimes for ceremonies.
Dung (Buffalo Chips): Dried Buffalo dung was once a readily available and efficient fuel source across the treeless plains, providing essential warmth and enabling cooking. It also served to make effective smoke signals for communication.
The return of the Buffalo to the Wind River Reservation is a powerful act of rematriation – healing the land and healing our people. A single Buffalo can provide sustenance for an entire community. Through respectful and ceremonial harvest, and by diligently re-integrating Buffalo into our diets and daily lives, we are ensuring that the spirit and countless gifts of this animal continue to nurture our community for generations to come. This work not only restores cultural connection but also promotes ecological balance and sustainability on the land.
We are proud to honor the deep wisdom of our ancestors, embracing the truth that in Buffalo, we find not just nourishment, but also connection, resilience, and a living legacy that strengthens our people and traditions.
Recommended Reading: Buffalo Meat: Reclaiming Health and Heritage