INVOKING THE BUFFALO SPIRIT

In the Native American culture the buffalo was the most essential animal in their entire culture. They used every part of the animal; the heavy buffalo hide for blankets, and coats, the bone for needles, cutting tools, and jewelry, the innards were used for bow stings, ties for moccasins and of course the meat was used to feel the tribe.  Even the killing of the buffalo was treated as a religious ceremony during the hunt.  It was also believed to be one of their most important spirit gods. When they needed power for a successful hunt, they would chant a spiritual prayer to the Buffalo Spirit by painting some “power” onto a skull. Here we see a Pawnee Indian seeking the blessing of his buffalo spirit for a successful hunt.