Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump
secondary Highway #785, Fort MacLeod, AB, Canada
The Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southwest Alberta, Canada. It is one of the oldest, largest, and best-preserved buffalo jump sites in North America and is a significant site of cultural and archaeological importance.
The site is named after a Blackfoot legend in which a young man wanted to witness a buffalo jump but was positioned in the wrong spot and had a buffalo's head fall on him. Despite this gruesome tale, the site is a marvel of engineering and was once an essential part of the Blackfoot people's hunting practices. The site is believed to have been in use for at least 6,000 years, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America.
The buffalo jump was a method of hunting that involved the herding of bison over a cliff, causing them to fall to their death. The Blackfoot people would use their knowledge of the land and bison behavior to drive herds of bison towards a cliff, creating a stampede. Hunters would then hide in camouflaged pits or behind rock formations to kill or wound the animals as they fell. The meat, hides, and other parts of the bison were then processed and used for food, clothing, shelter, and tools.
Today, the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is a museum and interpretive center that offers visitors a chance to learn about the Blackfoot people's culture, traditions, and hunting practices. The museum features exhibits on the history of the buffalo jump, the ecology of the plains, and the culture and traditions of the Blackfoot people. The site also hosts special events and programs throughout the year, including traditional dances, drumming, and storytelling.
