Food:
* Meat: Buffalo provided a plentiful source of protein, fat, and calories, especially for those living on the Great Plains. They could be preserved through drying or smoking, making them a valuable food source for the winter months.
* Milk: Buffalo milk was used as a dairy source, although it was richer and more fatty than cow's milk.
* Bones and Marrow: Bones were used for tools and marrow provided additional nutrition.
Clothing and Shelter:
* Hides: Buffalo hides were essential for creating clothing, shelter, and even boats (in the case of the Plains Indians). They were also used for blankets and robes.
* Hair: Buffalo hair was used to make rope, thread, and even insulation for clothing.
Tools and Supplies:
* Bones: Bones were used to make tools, knives, awls, and other implements.
* Tendons: Strong tendons were used for bowstrings and other cordage.
* Hooves: Hooves were used to make glue and other adhesive materials.
* Dung: Buffalo dung was used as fuel, fertilizer, and even for building materials.
Trade and Barter:
* Hides and meat: Buffalo products were traded among tribes and with settlers, particularly after the arrival of European traders.
Spiritual Significance:
* For many Native American tribes, the buffalo held deep spiritual and cultural significance. They were seen as a sacred animal, providing not only sustenance but also symbolic meaning in their worldview.
It's important to remember that the buffalo was central to the lives of the Plains Indians and played a crucial role in their culture, survival, and social structure. However, the impact of European settlement and the decline of the buffalo populations had devastating effects on these indigenous communities.