The rarity of bodewash encourages modern misunderstandings.
It is not body wash
The resemblance is accidental.
Settlers did not invent dung fuel
Indigenous and global pastoral communities had longstanding knowledge of local fuels.
It was not universally preferred
People often used it because wood or coal was unavailable.
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.