Shields

[strange]

Did the Indians really use shields? And would I be right to assume these came on handy?

[whitebull]

I believe that the shields were like badges of authority and not really meant to do battle with. I remember reading somewhere that Sitting Bull gave a shield to his nephew and told him to go out and talk to the soldiers before the battle really started.

[joewiggs]

Apparently the shield was, at one historical point of the native American culture, more than capable of fending off any weapon used by them. The shield was difficult to penetrate and shaped in such a manner so as to defect arrows and spears. In other words, the shield was more than adequate in deflecting weapons utilized by warring tribes between each other.

Only later, when engaged in war with "whites" did the shield become ineffective against bullets. Thus, the shield's value was reduced to that of a ceremonial worth.

Still a critical component of warfare (religiously speaking) which t signified the bearer as an authorized agent empowered to "treat" with all opponents and conclude peace offerings.

[stumblingbear]

I beg to differ! The shield possessed a spiritual power that protected the warrior from harm. Not every Indian carried one but some did, those who were blessed by someone like Sitting Bull!

[joewiggs]

A long time coming but, Stumblingbear is correct. The shield was a symbolic source of a powerful, mythical protection to preserve the safety of the warrior during battle. A case in point is the exorbitant time Crazy Horse utilized preparing himself for battle. He patiently took his time and carefully painted white spots on his face which drove his band of warriors crazy waiting for this meticulous warrior.

If prepared properly, the warriors personal signature of coloring and/or physical object transformed into a mythical talisman that preserved the warrior from harm.

[stumblingbear]

It's about time!