The Shield Painter

The War shield was one of the most important pieces of the warrior’s paraphernalia.
Although it could be punctured by a direct blow, a shield struck at an angle was tough enough to deflect lances, arrows or even a smoothbore ball at mid-range. It was considered a most sacred and potent possession. Its painted symbols and the items appended to it had resulted from a vision, and in its manufacture and care the warrior bestowed intense selectivity, craftsmanship and thought.

The decoration and painting of the shield was always accompanied by special ceremonies conducted by medicine men and proven warriors.
A common Sioux practice was for the warrior to sit before the holy man and recount his coups with small sticks, dropping one for each coup, while the holy man painted on designs, prayed over them and sang war songs to affix their power permanently. These services were considered to be worth as many as two fine horses.