Food:
* Meat: The primary source of protein for Plains Indians, buffalo meat was eaten fresh, dried, or preserved as pemmican.
* Fat: Rendered buffalo fat was used for cooking, preserving food, and for making candles.
* Bone marrow: A rich source of nutrients, bone marrow was eaten raw or cooked.
* Tongue: Considered a delicacy.
Clothing and Shelter:
* Hides: Buffalo hides were used to make everything from clothing (coats, shirts, leggings, moccasins) to tipis, blankets, and even ropes.
* Hair: Buffalo hair was used to make rope, blankets, and even paintbrushes.
Tools and Weapons:
* Bones: Buffalo bones were used to make tools, weapons, and even jewelry. For example, they were used to make knives, scrapers, arrowheads, and awls.
* Sinew: The strong tendons of the buffalo were used to sew hides, make bowstrings, and tie things together.
Other Uses:
* Fuel: Buffalo dung was used as fuel for fires.
* Medicine: Buffalo parts were used in traditional medicine. For example, buffalo dung was used to treat wounds, and buffalo fat was used as a salve.
* Spiritual significance: The buffalo was a sacred animal to many Plains Indian tribes, representing strength, power, and sustenance.
It's important to note that Plains Indians revered the buffalo and used every part of the animal with respect. They believed it was a gift from the Great Spirit, and they were careful to use it sustainably.