Sheep Eaters Films

The spectacular Wind River Mountain Range of northwest Wyoming was once home to a little known but fascinating band of Shoshone Indians known as the Tuku Dika, or Sheep Eaters. As their name implies, these peoples were among the most successful hunters of North America's wild sheep, the majestic Rocky Mountain "big horns". These magnificent creatures still roam the rugged Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem; however, the tribe that followed them for hundreds of years was relegated to life on the reservation by the turn of the nineteenth century. This four-part series examines the life ways of this ancient band of high mountain Shoshones.

Part 1 - Trading & Tools: This film examines the skills of tanning, flint napping and bow making among the Sheep Eaters, who utilized dogs to help them travel and gather resources.

Part 2 - Plants & Minerals: The Sheep Eaters relied heavily on the plants they could gather for medicinal and edible uses, often cooking food in a unique soapstone vessel. 

Part 3 - Shelters & Petroglyphs: The Sheep Eaters followed migrating big horn sheep and utilized caves and cliff overhangs for shelter, only building wood-pole structures—wickuips—where no natural shelter was readily available. Rock art, associated with vision quests are also examined.

Part 4 - Hunting & Fishing: The tribe used wooden traps and bows to harvest the big horns. Fish spears, baskets and fish traps helped bring fish to their families.