White Buffalo calf woman

To the American Indian, Buffalo Calf Woman is a messenger sent to the Indian to give us our Sacred Pipe and teach us the way to pray to the Creator. She has told us that she will return when the buffalo loses its hair, which will signal the time of change and entry into the 5th World of the Hopi.

A short version of her story; will show her sacredness.

Once, before the Indian had horses, two Braves were scouting for buffalo. When they found a herd they saw a person walking towards them. As she got closer they saw it was a beautiful woman. One of the braves wanted her physically. His friend said that he should not think such thoughts because it was obvious that she was Sacred.

Not listening he went to have her. She stopped and opened the blanket that was around her body. When he touched her she closed the blanket around them. As she did a mist rose around them as it reached the tops of their heads his bones fell at her feet. This scared the other one. She told him that she would not hurt him and to go back to his village and tell the Chief to prepare a teepee large enough to hold all the people of the tribe. That she would come with a gift in four days.

This was done and when she came she brought a bundle with her. She told them that they were to use this when they pray and in all their ceremonies. This was the Sacred Pipe. She then taught them how to use the pipe and then left. As she was leaving, she turned into a yellow, then red, then black and finally a White buffalo calf. Then she disappeared.

This is her story: The Pipe she brought, the Indian people still have. It is kept hidden, in a Sacred place and brought out for only very special ceremonies. It is kept on the Greasy Grass reservation of the Lakota (Sioux) people.