Medicine Shields of the Blackfoot

Description

Medicine Shields of the Blackfoot by Howard Terpning

A medicine shield was a treasured possession among the Blackfoot people, and the very making of one was a long, involved process, involving the skills of several members of the tribe. It all started with the hide taken from the neck and shoulder of a bull buffalo, which was shaped, dried, and decorated, resulting in a finished shield that was one-inch thick.

This went with its owner on war parties, and when it was not in use, the shield was supported on a tri-pod outside the teepee on sunny days, turned throughout the day so that its face always absorbed the direct sun.

To view more by Howard Terpning click here

to view his complete works click here