Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
Fort Macleod, Alberta
(July 4, 2007)
Fort Macleod, Alberta
(July 4, 2007)
Val says....
We had heard about this buffalo jump from several people who have gone through this area on their way to Alaska. As we travelled the few miles from Daisy May Campground in Ft. Macleod, Alberta, we couldn't see anything that looked like a large building on the prairie. First we spotted a few tipis, and then could discern the Interpretive Centre built into the cliff. Here is documented the buffalo hunting culture of the Plains peoples from ancient times to the arrival of the Europeans. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jump sites across the western Plains.
According to legend, a young boy wanted to witness the buffalo being driven over the cliff, so he stood under the shelter of a ledge. It was an unusually good hunt that day and as the buffalo fell over the edge, the boy became trapped between their bodies and the cliff. His people found him with his skull crushed by the weight of the carcasses. Thus the site became known as "Head-Smashed-In".
At this site, the buffalo were first gathered in a creek basin. Then young braves, dressed in coyote or cougar skins would lure the animals toward the cliff. The drive lanes were about 4.5 miles and were lined with stone cairns to direct the herd toward the kill site. The buffalo were actually pushed over the edge by the crush of animals behind them. The cliff is about 30 feet high and about 300 feet long. Below it are about 30 feet of bones from 5,700 years of hunts. Bones that weren't broken in the fall, were broken and crushed during the butchering and processing of the meat. Every part of the animals were used, if not for food, then for tools, clothing, etc.
The Interpretive Centre itself is set up on five levels and is built into the side of the ridge. It blends into its location. It was very interesting and informative.
On Wednesdays Blackfoot drumming, singing, and dancing are demonstrated in front of the Centre. Several male and female dancers from different tribes demonstrated a grand entry and dances that are performed at pow-wows. Most of these dances top performers at the pow-wows. Some members of the audience were recruited to participate and in conclusion, any who wished could join in the final round dance.
The tipis that we first spotted are available to individuals, families, and groups of campers. Various learning experiences can be included if desired.
For more information: www.head-smashed-in.com
We had heard about this buffalo jump from several people who have gone through this area on their way to Alaska. As we travelled the few miles from Daisy May Campground in Ft. Macleod, Alberta, we couldn't see anything that looked like a large building on the prairie. First we spotted a few tipis, and then could discern the Interpretive Centre built into the cliff. Here is documented the buffalo hunting culture of the Plains peoples from ancient times to the arrival of the Europeans. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the oldest, largest, and best preserved buffalo jump sites across the western Plains.
According to legend, a young boy wanted to witness the buffalo being driven over the cliff, so he stood under the shelter of a ledge. It was an unusually good hunt that day and as the buffalo fell over the edge, the boy became trapped between their bodies and the cliff. His people found him with his skull crushed by the weight of the carcasses. Thus the site became known as "Head-Smashed-In".
At this site, the buffalo were first gathered in a creek basin. Then young braves, dressed in coyote or cougar skins would lure the animals toward the cliff. The drive lanes were about 4.5 miles and were lined with stone cairns to direct the herd toward the kill site. The buffalo were actually pushed over the edge by the crush of animals behind them. The cliff is about 30 feet high and about 300 feet long. Below it are about 30 feet of bones from 5,700 years of hunts. Bones that weren't broken in the fall, were broken and crushed during the butchering and processing of the meat. Every part of the animals were used, if not for food, then for tools, clothing, etc.
The Interpretive Centre itself is set up on five levels and is built into the side of the ridge. It blends into its location. It was very interesting and informative.
On Wednesdays Blackfoot drumming, singing, and dancing are demonstrated in front of the Centre. Several male and female dancers from different tribes demonstrated a grand entry and dances that are performed at pow-wows. Most of these dances top performers at the pow-wows. Some members of the audience were recruited to participate and in conclusion, any who wished could join in the final round dance.
The tipis that we first spotted are available to individuals, families, and groups of campers. Various learning experiences can be included if desired.
For more information: www.head-smashed-in.com
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Issue #4
July 14th 2007
July 14th 2007
Page 3 of 3
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