Dream Animals
The Strength of the Shield
Animals that appeared in dreams, it was believed, could convey strength to the shield of a warrior. Special medicines made from "dream animals," such as the eagle or buffalo, were tied to the shield or placed under the outer cover. Long pendants of animal hides, buckskin or blanket cloth, often decorated with eagle feathers, were attached to the shield itself. These endowed the warrior with the animal's courage and abilities.
War shields were made of hammered buffalo hide stretched over a hoop of willow. Although they could be punctured by a direct blow, a shield struck at an angle was strong enough to deflect lances, arrows or even a musket ball in some cases.
Courtesy hmdb.org
