Buffalo/Bison were essential to the lives of hunter-gatherer Native Americans on the Plains. Buffalo were a source of food and their hides and pelts were used for clothing, shelter, and trade. Many Plains Native Americans hunted buffalo, some from horseback which greatly enhanced their advantage and success.
Native Americans on the Plains hunted buffalo/bison and used nearly every part of the animal. Meat could be dried and used as a food source in the winter, bones and horns could be fashioned into utensils, tools, or weapons, hides and pelts could be used for clothing, covering for shelters/homes, and also traded for other much-needed items.
Quanah Parker (circa 1900). Quannah Parker was appointed principal chief of the Comanche Nation by the US government. He led his people to the reservation at Fort Sill, Oklahoma after buffalo/bison on the plains were hunted to the brink of extinction by European-Americans. He is often referred to as the "Last Chief of the Comanche." Comanche Native Americans were also known for their excellent horsemanship.
Quanah Parker on horseback wearing feather headdress
Quanah Parker wearing European-American business attire, December, 1889