Bison Hides in Late Prehistoric Exchange in the Southern Plains

Abstract

Widespread exchange networks operative in the early historic period in the southern Plains and adjacent areas were documented by early Spanish explorers. Among the more important trade items they noted were bison hides, including robes. It is suggested here that the occurrence of beveled knives and endscrapers in assemblages dating after about A.D. 1300 reflects the importance of bison hides in late prehistoric exchange. Both of these chippedstone tools probably were used in acquiring and processing the hides of bison. The importance of bison hides continued into the historic period when they were documented items of exchange in southern Plains and adjacent areas.