Lakota
Hunkpapa Sioux


Medicineshield
Shieldnr. 44
19.2 inch


Owner :

Swift Dog




Made and painted by John Groeneveld ( Non-Native American ).

The meaning and owner of the shield, see below.

The meaning of the shield:
The Morning Star, a symbol frequently used in the culture of the PlainsIndians.
The PlainsIndians honored it as a sign of courage and purity.
The Ghost Dance Religion associated it as a symbol of the coming renewal of tradition. Other spirits are sometimes represented as stars.
The horizon of the earth frames the sky around the outer edge of the image.
De Eagle, the master of the sky, is considered a carrier of prayers. Many Indians honor this bird as possessing courage, wisdom, and a special connection to the creator. This is often confused with the "thunderbird" image.

The owner of the shield:
Swift Dog, who had fought at the Battle of the Little Big Horn as one of Sitting Bull’s warriors.

He was a warrior, artist, and historian.

Have not found any details of his life so far.
If you have, please send me a mail.


Used materials:
Willow hoop
Rawhide
Eagleplumes
Wool trade cloth red


Click on images
for larger view



Swift Dog

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