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Modern bison scapulaBison scapula hoe Bison were always important on the Great Plains. During the late Precontact period, Oneota people east of the Mississippi traveled west to hunt bison during the winter, for both food and hides. They brought the shoulder blades (scapulae) back to La Crosse to use as hoes in their fields. The scapula was attached to a wooden handle with sinew, like the modern experimental hoe in the picture. As the hoes were used, the blades developed characteristic wear and polish. (Oneota, La Crosse County)Replica bison scapula hoe

Bison scapula hoe

Link to 3D Bison Scapula Hoe

3D scan courtesy Dr. David A. Anderson, Associate Professor, UWL, Department of Archaeology & Anthropology.