Bison Products
Today, the main use of bison is for consumption. However, there are 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, ladles, spoons)
- Powder Horns
- Decorative Headdresses
- Medication
- Fire Carrier
Hair
- Decorative Headdresses
- Ropes
- Pad or Pillow Filler
- Moccasin Lining
- Medicine Balls
- The hair was considered to have strong medicine power and was commonly used in ceremonies and on headdresses and costumes.
- Used as a game piece; it was common for First Nations peoples to make dolls and balls for their children to play with, stuffing them full with buffalo hair for a better shape, etc.
- 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
- Bows
Gall & Blood
- Decorative Paint
