The Shield Song by John Fawcett
  • John Fawcett

  • The Shield Song
  • 20 x 16 in.
  • Frame Size:25 x 21 in.
  • Oil
  • Price:$7,100
  • The shield, carried on the left arm, was one of the most important belongings of the Lakota warrior and was made from the neck or hump of a buffalo bull, which could stop an arrow or a ball from a smoothbore gun. The spiritual power of the shield, or “ medicine “, was even more important to the brave offering courage, speed, and protection from the enemy. The cover of the shield was painted in a ceremony, often by a Holy Man or tribal elder, as seen here, with specific designs that had significance for the tribe. It was painted using natural pigments of ochre from the ground, charcoal mixed with buffalo fat, and berries. During the ceremony sweet grass was burned and a pipe was smoked to bless the shield, and It was often held by it’s owner to the sky to be blessed by the spirits. Then it was hung on a tripod outside the tipi for protection until it was used in battle.
The Shield Song
John Fawcett
Oil
20 x 16 in.      Framed: 25 x 21 in.
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