Shields
Warriors sought images
of power and strength through periods of
solitude and fasting. If successful, these periods
led to visions, or dreams. Once a vision was obtained,
it would be related to a holy man, who would translate
the experience and explain how it should be displayed on
an object. He would also define the uses and limits of this
power and the proper rituals necessary for its maintenance.
As shields were considered sacred objects and were believed
to bring good luck, they werepreserved by tribes, even after
the use of firearms became common. These shields were
hung on poles to the East of a warrior's lodge, as a charm to
ward off danger. When a warrior died, his shield was
buried with him, for it would be needed in the after-life.
The only exceptions were shields that were given to
young braves while the original owner was
still alive.