2. How important were buffalo and horses to the Plains Indians?
What were the key features of the lives and culture of the Plains Indians?
How important were buffalo and horses to the Plains Indians?
Starter:
How many words can you make from ‘buffalo’ and ‘horses’?
Learning Objectives:
To compare the reliance on the buffalo with the importance of horses

3. Recap… Revise… Refresh…
Explain why the Sioux were so dependant on the Buffalo
Describe one Sioux method for hunting Buffalo
List 5 uses the Sioux had for the Buffalo
Recap… Revise… Refresh…
The Buffalo Hunt by John Mix Stanley, 1855;

4. BRAIN
Tanning (mashing it up and spreading it on the hide to make it waterproof).
RAWHIDE
Belts, shields, all types of bags and containers, horse harness and travois lashing, ropes, string.
TANNED HIDE
Tepee covers, robes, moccasins, leggins, clothes, saddle blankets, bags, dolls.
TAIL
Fly swats, ornaments.
DUNG
Fuel (known as buffalo chips).
SKULL
Tool for de-hairing rope, used in religious ceremonies.
What is missing?
HORNS
Cups, spoons, ladles, headress ornaments, toys, arrow straighteners.
HAIR
Rope, decoration on clothing, stuffing for saddles and pillows.
STOMACH
Cooking vessel, buckets.
TONGUE
Hairbrush, food.
MUSCLE SINEWS
Bowstrings and thread.
BONES
Knives, tools, arrow heads, saddle frames, needles, slege runners, dice.
FLESH
Meat eaten raw (usually the tongue and liver, or cooked, or dried and eaten during the winter when hunting was harder).
FUR
Winter robes, sleeping blankets, clothing.
FAT
Soap, cooking.
HOOVES
Glue, tools, rattles.

5. How did the Plains Indians hunt the buffalo?

6. ‘When the buffalo are extinct, the Indian too must dwindle away.’
Writing task
A white American, Francis Parkman, spent some time living with the Ogala Sioux in the 1840s. When he returned he wrote a book, The Oregon Trail. In it he said,
‘When the buffalo are extinct, the Indian too must dwindle away.’
Do you agree with him? Explain your answer.
Discuss two or more points of view
Include evidence or examples from your previous learning
Explain your answer with your opinion

7. How did the Plains Indians get horses?
How did the Plains Indians use horses?

8. How important were horses?
Date
Tribe
Tipis
Indians
Horses
1860
Blackfoot
300
2400
1869
Comanche
2538
7614
1871
Crow
460
4000
9500
Oglala and Brule Sioux
600
5000
2000
Pawnee
260
2364
1050
1878
Hunkpapa/Miniconjou Sioux
360
2900
3500
Which tribe was the largest?
Which tribe had the most sources?
For each tribe, work out the ratio of horses to Indians.
Which tribe was the richest?
How important were horses to the Plains Indians?

9. How do you feel about your learning today?
Learning Outcomes:
Can you explain several reasons why the buffalo and horses were important to the Plains Indians?
What went well today?
What would you like to do better next lesson?