Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: The durative power of keystone institutions and embedded knowledge

Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump demonstrates remarkable cultural continuity over at least 6,000 years, with its use as a buffalo jump remaining consistent despite technological and environmental changes. The site's durative power is attributed to its role as a keystone institution, where embedded knowledge acted as a social surplus, reflecting the heterarchical social complexity of its users. This study applies theoretical models used elsewhere in North America to understand HSIBJ's long-term significance, highlighting its unique cultural resilience and the preservation of knowledge across generations.

Bubel, S., & Mcgeough, K. (2026). Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump: The durative power of keystone institutions and embedded knowledge. Plains Anthropologist, 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/00320447.2026.2678766