Description
This design shows the bear at the entrance of a cave protecting his family from the attack of its enemy.
In the middle of his shield, a warrior placed his personal medicine bundle. This one contains buffalo hair, sage, sweetgrass and a buffalo tooth. A piece of deer antler and a glass trade bead hang from the bundle.
The trade cloth and imitation eagle feathers representing coups, or battle honors, were arranged to permit the warrior to fire his bow effectively without losing the shield's protective power.
This shield is based on a Kiowa design.