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Red Hand Hide Shield by Dan Chapman

Currency:USD Category:Collectibles / Native Americana Start Price:25.00 USD Estimated At:200.00 - 400.00 USD
Red Hand Hide Shield by Dan Chapman
Symbolic Red Hand Hide Shield by Dan Chapman (Non-Native American from Sturgis, SD), this parfleche and fringed leather banner measures 47''L x 21''D, embellished with turkey feathers, deer hooves, 2 medicine bundles, porcupine quill medicine wheel, antique brass bells, tin cones, red heart bead, abalone, old trade beads, in the center of the banner is a large red painted hand, there is also black painted lines along the edge, Dan uses a special blend of paints to create the vibrant imagery of the hand print. The handprint is a sign of ownership, used by those who provided for the people. The handprint also signified touching an enemy in battle. Many interpretations exist for the symbolism of a red hand print placed upon personal effects, lodges, or one's horse. Among them the Red Hand has stood for possession or ownership, involvement in hand-to-hand combat, the killing of an enemy, and when placed on a riderless horse, can serve as an announcement that a warrior has fallen in battle. In this case the Red Hand is meant to symbolize ownership and stature. Red stands for the earth and the life-sustaining blood of the people. The dominant fringe represents the wind spirit that surrounds us at all times. Braiding represents the unity of the people. The shield protects the warrior in combat and symbolically protects his home. The shield features a personal bundle, medicine wheel, charms, deer toes to bring speed and agility, imitation eagle feathers to empower the owner, and fringe of twisted strands that represent whirlwinds, a power among wind spirits.''