For centuries, the buffalo was the most important source of food, clothing and shelter, of most of life's needs. The buffalo – teacher of the medicine Man in the healing of wounds, symbol of long life and plenty, loved and revered as the most gentle and generous of creatures. It was good to have a buffalo skull near in one the lodges always, good to have his horns on the heads of the chiefs for it labeled them as the highest of the high, good to dance often in his honor that his favor might be courted, that he might dwell long and abundantly in the homeland of the sweeping prairies.
The Indians gave particular attention to the drying and preservation of the buffalo meat, which sustained them during the long winter months when wild game was scarce. After being tanned and stretched, buffalo hides had several vital uses: draped over long poles, they formed the tepees that sheltered the tribe. The thick, heavy fur was used for warm robes and bedding. Buffalo bones made living happier and easier by providing needles, whistle, eating utensils, hair armaments and jewelry.
When the buffalo moved to new feeding grounds, the Indians followed, but as the huge, shaggy beasts became scarcer, the way of life had to change. New methods of providing necessities once obtained from the buffalo have been found, but the Buffalo Dance is still used in winter hunting rituals among various Indian tribes.
A gourd rattle, used to call the animal spirits, is carried in one hand, and an eagle prayer feather is held in the other. Two lead buffalo dancer put on a heavy buffalo headdress and perform the sacred ritual ceremony, moving slowly with lowered heads in imitation of the buffalo, all the while shaking their gourd rattles to summon the buffalo spirit. Other dancers sometimes play the part of the Indian hunters, wearing the traditional buckskin of their ancestors and carry a bow and arrow. To the chant of the singers and the beat of the drums they stalk their “prey” with graceful, creeping movements. They spring a mock attack and make their kill; the “buffalo” falls and is carried to the Kiva (sacred meeting place) where a secret ceremony is held to insure the abundance of game for winter food.
Today, with the buffalo herds gone, the Buffalo Dance is still an impressive reminder of days gone by. Though the Indians' prayers now are answered by a trek to the trading post, they retain a vital link with Nature through this exciting “hunt.”
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