-Food (meat): Bison provided a plentiful and nutritious source of food for Native American tribes and early settlers in the American West.
- Clothing and Shelter: Bison hides were primarily utilized for making clothing such as robes, moccasins, and ceremonial outfits. Furthermore, the hides served a crucial purpose in the construction of teepees, lodges, and other dwellings
- Tools and Weapons: Bison bones and horns were resourceful materials for making tools and weapons. Notably, the bones were fashioned into arrows, spear points, knives, scrapers, and awls.
- Economic significance: Bison fur and meat were widely traded, making them valuable commodities in the fur trade and later the meatpacking industry.
- Cultural Symbol: Bison held significant cultural and spiritual importance for numerous Native American tribes. they symbolized abundance and strength.
- Conservation Efforts: The dramatic decline in bison population due to overhunting in the 19th century led to conservation effort and the establishment of bison preserves.
The history of the American West is intricately intertwined with the iconic presence and profound impact of the bison.