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Plains Shield
The Shield was a very important piece of armament to Native
Americans. It gave them a profound sense of security, safety and
power during enemy campaigns. Many different varieties of paint
and adornments were used on these shields. This variety was
based on an individual warrior's perception as to what
combination of spiritual protection and power a warrior
embraced. As mentioned, many different parts of animals and
birds, along with symbolic paints kept the warrior as one
spiritually with that particular symbol and/or animal; taking on
it's spirit.
As in any shield, the main part which made up the shields
circumference, was derived from the thickest part of a buffalo
hide; it's hump. Larry used this exact material for all his
shields. Indians would use awls to punch holes around the
perimeter of the buffalo hide, and then stake the hide into the
ground over a small mound of dirt. Hence giving the shield it's
convex shape when dried. Again, Larry utilized the same
procedure. Using the thickest part of the hide gave the warrior
added protection.
Of the estimated 8-10 shields Larry made, this is the most
ornate of the Plains version. The center of the shield has a
traditional painting of a buffalo derived from original sources
of bark, berries, roots and leaves along with a vast amount of
red ocher throughout the entire buffalo hide. Red ocher was a
symbolic color used vastly on many pieces of Native American
regalia. Larry wrapped the outside edge with red trade cloth
with a rectangle piece of fringed trade cloth at the bottom of
the shield. 10 of Bob Wells' hand painted eagle feathers adorn
this majestic shield. Nine which are wrapped with red dyed
leather and sinew, and one off to the side unwrapped. Red and
dark fluffs are attached to the base of the feathers. Dark
fluffs also surround the sides and the top of the shield.
Finally, antique hawk bells and tin cones with red horse hair
are tied to the front of the shield with red leather thongs.
This is a stunning portrayal of a Northern Plains war shield. |
