Native American Ceremonial Leather Feather Indian Spirit Medicine Shield 20"

Description

Late 20th century decorative wall hanging inspired by Native American spirit / medicine shields / dream catchers. Features a round hoop wrapped and partly covered by stretched leather, including a three dimensional face and embellished with a concho, slice of agate, feathers and black, silver, and turquoise beads. Suspended from a eather cord with concho.

"Medicine shields were also designed to make their appearance on the battlefield, but they offered protection that went far beyond basic injury prevention. They were instead considered mystical objects that supplied spiritual protection as well. Evidence suggests that some medicine shields were stored in remote locations far from the warrior’s residence or village, and many were kept covered until the moment of battle to preserve their special supernatural powers. Because medicine shields weren’t expected to withstand serious battlefield damage, surviving examples are often much smaller and more decorative than their utilitarian war shield counterparts.

Ceremonial shields are similar to medicine shields in that they weren’t intended to stand up to battlefield conditions. A ceremonial Native American shield may have been viewed in a manner similar to a European family crest, and they were possibly used as gifts to memorialize close personal relationships or treaty agreements. Some ceremonial shields consist only of an exterior frame with various diagonal and center embellishments while others feature a complete hide- or fabric-covered surface with personalized decorations. " (Source: Kachina House Blog)

Condition

Good Overall - Gentle wear

Dimensions

9.25" x 1.75" x 20" (Width x Depth x Height)