Buffalo chips are naturally dried pieces of bison dung gathered from grassland.
Why they burned
Grazing animals left fibrous plant material that dried in sun and wind.
Why travelers used them
They were available where timber was distant, heavy to haul, or absent.
Limitations
Moisture, weather, ash, smoke, and variable heat made them less convenient than wood or coal.
Frequently asked questions
What does bodewash mean?
Dried buffalo or cow dung used as fuel.
Is it the same as buffalo chips?
The terms can overlap, though buffalo chips is more familiar.
Where did the word come from?
It developed from American French bois de vache.
Why did people burn dung?
Because wood was scarce or costly to transport.
Did only settlers use it?
No. Indigenous and pastoral communities had longstanding fuel knowledge.
Is indoor burning safe?
Solid-fuel smoke can harm health; this site documents history rather than recommending use.