Bison (Bison bison) commonly known as "Buffalo", once numbered over
50 million on the North American continent. The multitude of these
wonderful beasts visible in many parks and private reserves in our
country are descended from only 77 animals in 5 founding herds (NGS).
The rest were slaughtered by hide hunters and pleasure seekers just
wanting to kill a buffalo. The bulls stage exciting, frightening battles
during their rut. Their size is immense. They may measure 6' high at
the shoulder and weigh over 2,000 lbs. They have been known to live
more than 25 years. The American Plains Indians used the bison for all
of their provisions. The meat for food, the hide for covering teepees
and clothing, the entrails for various holders, hooves and horns for
dance and religious expressions. When the bison became scarce the
Indians were without food or provisions and could not withstand the
onslaught of the settlers and railroads. From the handful of bison that
survived we now can enjoy these free roaming wonderful wild animals.

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Bison (Bison bison)

A small fact, the name of the bison who's picture is on the head of the
Buffalo nickel was, BLACK DIAMOND from the Bronx Zoo, circa 1913.

In a recent copy of Ranger Rick Nature Magazine we found a list of uses for
Buffalo goods.

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THE BUFFALO SUPER STORE

Hide	FUR	FAT	BONE
shields	ropes	candle wax	painting tools
boat coverings	headdresses	soap	toys
drum coverings	pillow stuffing	hair grease	shovels
painting canvas	HORNS	food	awls
moccasins	spoons	medicine	hide scrapers
shirts	containers, cups	TENDONS	sled runners
teepee covers	MEAT	sewing thread	jewelry
buckets	fresh food	rope	arrow points
ropes	jerky	bow strings	marrow

HOOVES	BLADDER	BLOOD	DROPPING
rattles	water container	soups	lining for diapers
cups	carrying pouch	puddings	cooking fuel
decorations	TAIL	paint
glue	fly switch
	decoration

So you see the Native Americans did not waste anything
of the bison,they used everything but the unforgettable
sounds of those magnificiant beasts,
and that still rings in their ears.


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