The Warrior

"More than one hundred years ago, a warrior's headdress like the one I've painted here was worn by the leader in a battle or by a brave who displayed extraordinary courage. While not physically protective in nature, the headdress was part of the warrior's medicine - part of his spiritual armor. He believed that the war bonnet would confer on him superhuman powers." Today, as in year's past, the headdress represents wisdom and eagle feathers are symbolic of the fierce predatory nature of the bird. The red paint this warrior is wearing could be war paint. There were no rules for the painting of the body; it was unique to each warrior and the colors and symbols reflected the personality of the individual.