Bison Products

Today, the main use of bison is for consumption. However, there are still other parts of the  bison that are still popular today:

Skulls for decorative purposes

Horns are made into decorative polished costume jewelry and buttons

Hair is manufactured into bison down and produced into sweaters coats and robes

Hides – tanned and manufactured into leather furniture, hats, coats, vests, handbags, shoes and boots.

The bison provided food, shelter; clothing, tools and other supplies for the American Indian tribes. The tribes used absolutely every part of the bison. Here are some examples of bison parts and their uses.

Horns:

• Arrow Points
• Utensils (cups, ladels, spoons)
• Powder Horns
• Decorative Headdresses
• Medication
• Fire Carrier

Hair

• Decorative Headdresses
• Ropes
• Pad or Pillow Filler
• Moccasin Lining
• Medicine Balls
• Ornaments
• Halters

Skull

• Sun Dance
• Medicine Prayer
• Other Rituals

Hides

• Moccasins
• Buckets
• Drums
• Splints
• Ropes
• Saddles and Stirrups
• Snow Shoes
• Lariats
• Straps
• Quirts
• Cinches
• Shields
• Containers
• Shrouds
• Saddle Blankets
• Ornaments

Manure Chips

• Fuel

Scrotum

• Ceremonial Rattle

Tendons

• Sinews-Sewing
• Bowstrings
• Covers
• Backrests
• Bridles
• Tapestries
• Tipi Liners

Hooves

• Glue
• Rattle
• Spoons

Liver

• Hide Tanning

Beard & Teeth

• Ornamentation

Fat

• Candle Tallow
• Lubricants
• Soap
• Cosmetic Aids

Stomach Liner

• Water Containers
• Cooking Vessels

Bladder

• Medicine Bag
• Pouches

Tails

• Ornamental Decoration
• Fly Brush
• Whip
• Medicine Switch

Bones

• Knives
• Pipes
• Arrowheads
• Splints
• Shovels
• Scrapers
• Fleshing Tools
• Shovels
• Sleds

Buckskin

• Cradles
• Moccasin Tops
• Winter Robes
• Bedding
• Dresses
• Bags
• Shirts
• Bags
• Quivers
• Leggings
• Belts
• Tipi Covers
• Tipi Liners
• Backrests
• Bridles

Fat

• Source of energy
• Mixed with meat and berries to make pemmican

Muscles

• Glue
• Thread
• Arrow Ties
• Cinches
• Bowes

Gall & Blood

• Decorative Paint