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Dragon Fly (Kaikanhoda) Shield

Vanessa Jennings

Kiowa

1990

Leather, paint, ermine

1996.27.0747

On View

Hunting & War

Arthur and Shifra Silberman Collection

This shield is modeled after the shield carrier by Tenbatai before 1875. Shields were used for protection and as personal identifiers. The designs seen on shields were sometimes acquired through dreams or visions, giving the holder supernatural protection. In other instances, the design could be associated with a specific secret warrior or medicine society. They could also be taken and used publicly as war trophies.

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