Buffalos provided food, shelter and other survival needs for the people. They honored the animals with prayers of gratitude for the abundance they provided.

This animal, native only to North America, is a bison, although, generically, it’s called a buffalo. They’re the largest land animal in the continent and can be as tall as six and a half feet and weighing over one ton. Their horns grow up to two feet long.

Buffalos are ruminants, eating grasses, twigs, herbs and shrubs. These herbivores regurgitate the food and chew it as cud. Wolves, grizzly bears and humans are their predators. They’re one of the most dangerous animals to humans in North American and Canadian National Parks. They will attack humans if they feel threatened and they can outrun a man. Buffalo are sacred to the Plains Native American tribes.

Native Americans Tribes Considered Buffalo Sacred

The buffalo provided food to Native Americans. All edible portions were consumed. Hides were used for clothing, moccasins, tipi covers, shields and other items. Hair and sinew provided rope, yarn, thread, snowshoe webbing and bowstrings. Arrowheads, bow parts, cups, spoons, ladles and containers were made from the horns.

Other parts of the buffalo provided rattles, glue, paint base, yellow pigments, ornaments and skin softeners. Even the dung was used for fuel and to polish stones. The buffalo was sacred because he gave of himself and provided abundance.

Buffalo's Symbolism

He manifests abundance through proper actions and appropriate prayer. The buffalo's cycle of power is year around. Buffalo’s medicine includes protection, creativity, knowledge, generosity, sharing work, courage, strength, challenge, survival and creating beneficial plans for all. Abundance refers not only to food and wealth, but also to friendships, camaraderie, talents, contentment, personal achievements and sharing these gifts. Prayers are offered in gratitude for these.