Shield associated with Chief ArapooshSore Belly, Apsáalooke [Crow], ca. 1795–1834) ca. 1825Montana B

Shield associated with Chief ArapooshSore Belly, Apsáalooke [Crow], ca. 1795–1834) ca. 1825Montana Buffalo hide, deer hide, bird head, feathers, pigment, brass tacks, wool cloth, horse hair 67 x 62 x 10 cmCollected by William Wildschut 11/7680“Arapoosh, also known as Sore Belly, was a prominent River Crow chief who lived in the first half of the 19th century. As a young man, while fasting, he received a shield, which gave him spiritual protection and the power of prophecy. Apsáalooke (Crow) shields almost always derive from powers of what could be referred to as the Above World. In Apsáalooke belief, the beings of the sky—the sun, moon, various stars, clouds, and also birds—are very potent. When a warrior had a vision that communicated to him the particular powers of his shield, he would depict those powers, often from the Above World, on the shield. Sometimes they would be represented by the attachment of feathers and bird heads.” -- source link

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