|
|
The Buffalo
2,000 pounds, six feet tall at the humped shoulders - the Buffalo-"Bison"...
Its spirit was praised before every hunt with a tribal ritual dance. The buffalo supplied virtually everything that the Plain Indians needed to stay alive; food, clothing, tools, and housing.
A. Brains - hide, preparation
Back to the Top
B. Skull - ceremonies, sun dance, prayer
Back to the Top
C. Horns - cups, fire carrier, powderhorn, spoons, ladles, headdresses, signals, toys
Back to the Top
D. Tongue - best part of meat
Back to the Top
E. Beard - ornamentation or apparel and weapons
Back to the Top
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
Back to the Top
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
Back to the Top
H. Hoof & Feet - glue, rattles
Back to the Top
I. Meat - (every part eaten) pemmican (converted), hump ribs - immed., jerky (converted), inner parts eaten on the spot
Back to the Top
J. Four Chambered Stomach - first stomach content: frostbite & skin diseases, liner: container for carrying and storing water, cooking vessel
Back to the Top
K. Scrotum - rattles
Back to the Top
L. Bladder - sinew pouches, quill pouches, small medicine bags
Back to the Top
M. Paunch - lining for buckets, cups, basins, dishes
Back to the Top
N. Skin of hind leg - moccasins or boots
Back to the Top
O. Buffalo Chips - fuel, signals, ceremonial smoking
Back to the Top
P. Tail - medicine switch, fly brush, lodge exterior decorations, whips
Back to the Top
Q. Bones - knives, arrowheads (ribs) , shovels, splints, winter sleds, arrow straighteners, saddle trees, war clubs, scrapers (ribs), quirts, awls, paint brushes (hipbones), game dice
Back to the Top
R. Muscles - sinew: bows, thread, arrows, cinches, glue
Back to the Top
S. Hair - headdresses, saddle pad filler, pillows, ropes, ornaments, halters, medicine balls
Back to the Top
T. Whole Animal - totem, clan symbol, white buffalo sacred, adult yellow rare-prized
Back to the Top
Source:
Akta Lakota Museum
Chamberlain, South Dakota
Buffalo Spirit
|
|
|
|
|
Native American Nations
