Barbecue ribs have a rich and varied history that traces back to the indigenous peoples of the Americas. Long before the arrival of European settlers, Native Americans were using open flames to cook meat, including ribs from local animals. This method of cooking laid the foundation for what would later evolve into the modern barbecue techniques we know today. As different cultures interacted, they began to blend their cooking methods, contributing to the diverse styles of barbecue that emerged across the continent.