Can anyone tell me about the importance of bisons in Native American spirituality?

Question

Would keeping a bison as a pet be considered as sacrilegious, according to Native American beliefs?

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AiTMLSEql_3BR.ReUY0C1CHsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071116104122AAFt8hZ

Answer 1

For the Native Americans of the American plains there was a spiritual connection because the life of the Indian was dependent upon that of the bison. Since bisons were used as food, their hide to make shelters and clothing and their bones to make utensils they felt a huge spiritual connection to the animals. They also considered them to be totems and thus carried great spiritual strength which passed to the human.

The plains Indians used to keep whole herds of them before being pushed off of their ancient lands and they realized the need for a relationship between the two. They did not see them as mere animals and I would suspect if the bison was treated with respect that it would not be offensive.

Answer 2

Bison provided Native Americans with food, shelter, clothing and protection. Bison were revered by them because their exsistence depended on them. Their culture was so entwined in the bison's existence that it became a spiritual connection. I think if you had a pet bison and treated it humanely than it would be acceptable to Native Americans. To keep them from extinction would probably be a high priority to such a sacred animal.

Answer 3

The buffalo is considered very sacred among many tribes.

The Lakota Sioux believe that A woman named White Buffalo calf woman brought the Cannupa Wakan (sacred pipe or peace pipe for white folks). The first pipe was made of a buffalo calf's thigh bone.

Also the buffalo symbolically represents all of their needs being met. They used every part of the buffalo to survive.

Answer 4

Well when you are so dependent upon something for so much of your survival...food, it's hide for clothing, blankets, lodge coverings, etc...it's not surprising it would be thought of in such high regard.

I'm not sure if there is anything against having one...plenty of farms have them, and even the rare white one born on farms, I've never heard of it being an issue that it lives there.

However...trying to have it as a pet, good luck with that. That is a bit dangerous.

Answer 5

Probably a totemic thing. But I can't imagine bison are very convenient pets ;P

Answer 6

Home On The Range

Oh show me a home,
Where the buffalo roam,
and I'll show you a house with a very messy carpet!!

Answer 7

Jack my wife is half native american and half mexican. I asked her what she thought about this and she said, No. Unless you killed it for its hide and tongue only.

Answer 8

Dunno, but they sure make good jerky.