Why the african american soldiers reminded the plains indians of the buffalo?

Aproximately 20 percent of the U. S. Cavalry involved in the Plains Indian Wars (1866-90) were African American soldiers. These soldiers made up the Ninth and Tenth U. S. Cavalry Regiments.

The Cheyenne and Comanche tribes nicknamed these men Buffalo Soldiers because they were courageous and strong, qualities shared with the mighty buffalo. The hair of the Buffalo Soldiers reminded the tribal warriors of the tuft of hair between a buffalo's horns, as well. Given that the buffalo was important and necessary to the Native Americans’ way of life, the nickname was an honor, and one the soldiers accepted with