CEREMONIAL LANCE

When an Indian was fighting his final battle - when he was caught and had nowhere to go - he would stick the lance in the ground and he would tie the thong to his belt. And he would just stand there and fight to the death. Now, of course, it's only used for pow-wows, dances and ceremonial purposes. But the history of the lance is a very significant part of the culture. Instead of running, he took a stand. It was a very heroic action.