Buffalo Chip Hearth
In the treeless expanse of the High Plains, the ‘Buffalo Chip’ (Tatuŋka-pȟúte) was the primary source of heat and light.
Thermal Profile
Dried buffalo chips burn with a steady, low-smoke flame that is ideal for slow-cooking Wasna or roasting roots. It provides a reliable heat source in an environment where wood is a luxury.
Cultural Resourcefulness
The use of ‘waste’ as fuel is a perfect example of the Ethics of the Harvest—nothing is wasted, and the animal continues to provide life long after the hunt.