Coup Sticks and War Paint

These two Northern Plains warriors have applied their war paint and are ready for whatever trouble comes their way. To “count coup” on an enemy was a great war honor. It meant touching the enemy with any object in the warrior’s hand —a bow, a rifle or a special stick — usually adorned with at least one feather. It was called a coup stick and was carried for the express purpose of touching an enemy if he could get close enough. An accumulation of these war honors built a warrior’s reputation among his people, gave him great stature and gained the admiration of the people in his camp. His prowess as a strong warrior also made him more desirable to the young maidens who might be looking for a suitable mate.