Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump is one of the oldest, largest and best preserved communal bison (or buffalo)hunting sites in North America. Groups of native hunters killed bison by driving them through drive lanes and over the cliff. There have been metres of bones, tools and weapons recovered from the site. There is evidence of human acitivity in this region as far back as 11,000 years and this custom practiced for almost 6,000. According to the brochures the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has designated it as a World Heritage Site. Which means it is placed in the company of Stonehenge, the Egyptian Pyramids and the Taj Mahal.

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump gets its unusual name from a story about a young brave who wanted to watch the hunt from a unique viewpoint. He stood underneath the cliff and watched the buffalo cascading past him like a waterfall. Unfortunately for him it was a good hunt and the buffalo bodies piled up trapping him.When his people found him his head had been smashed in by the weight.

These photos were taken alongside one of the many displays.

The interpretive centre has received an award for architecture. From the road it is almost hidden from view because it is built into the side of the cliff.