This is a mini interpretation of a Plains Native American Bear society shield. The shield is hand stretched leather and painted in acrylics. The shield measures about 4" in diameter. I have used wild bronze turkey feathers and Czech glass beads in garnet,bronze, and amber. On the heart of the bear is a tiny medicine bundle that contains a bit of sage.
There is much meaning to this shield. A warrior would use the bear on his shield to gain the power and strength of the bear. The painting represents a bear coming out of it's den to protect it's family. Normally there would be 5 paw prints but I could fit only 3 on this smal shield. The color red represents long life and walking the good red road. The black represents victory and and deep spirituality.