What parts of a buffalo would the plains Indians have used to make their shelters?

The Plains Indians used various parts of the buffalo to construct their shelters, primarily the hide.

Here's how they used buffalo hides:

* Tents (Tipis): The most common type of shelter, tipis were made with 12-20 buffalo hides sewn together. The hides were stretched over a frame of wooden poles. They could be quickly assembled and disassembled, making them ideal for a nomadic lifestyle.

* Floor coverings: Buffalo hides were used as floor coverings inside the tipis, providing insulation and warmth.

* Wall linings: Hides were often used as additional insulation and lining for the tipis, especially during harsh winters.

* Other structures: Hides were also used to construct other temporary shelters, such as lean-tos and windbreaks.

Beyond hides, other buffalo parts were sometimes used:

* Bones: Larger bones, particularly those from the legs and ribs, could be used as structural supports for tipis and other shelters.

* Sinew: Strong tendons from the buffalo were used to sew the hides together and for other craft work.

It's important to note that buffalo were a vital resource for the Plains Indians, and they used virtually every part of the animal. Their resourceful use of the buffalo allowed them to thrive in a challenging environment.