Native american tribal body paint
Horse War Paint - Making Horse War Paints The paint powder was kept in deerskin pouches which could be carried with them Native American Indians prepared the paint which was then dried and stored as a powder.
To recall special events: Victory, Mourning etc were indicated by the application of horse war paint.Symbols included stripes, circles and triangles Power and Magic: It was believed that the application of certain symbols and colors afforded the wearer with 'Magic' for power and protection by drawing on natural powers and combining these with the power of the warrior and his horse.Mental Preparation: Medicine Men often chose certain markings for warriors and that powerful magic was passed on during the application of the Horse War Paint helping the warrior to believe himself and his horse invincible.Marks of Distinction and Honor: Horse War Paint might include symbols to indicate major achievements and success.The same ritual symbols that were painted on a horse that might also be painted on the face and body of the Native Indian Visual Messages: Symbols were recognised as having specific meanings like the symbols shown above.Native American Indians applied War Paint on their Mustang horses for the following reasons: As did the symbols that decorated his Mustang horse - Horse War Paint. Every element of War Paint on the face and body of an American Native Indian had meaning. The clothes, tepees and all of his belongings, including his war horse, was decorated with the symbolism of his achievements or his various spirit guides. The achievements of warriors were often reflected in the symbolic images of their war paint. It therefore made sense to apply war paint to their horses as well as themselves. Going into battle was dangerous for both the Native American and his horse. The Native American Indian valued their horses and held them in the highest esteem. Native American Warrior Culture - Horse War Paint For more facts and info see Native American Symbols.
The Great Plains Indians culture abounds with many more examples of this usage of symbols. The long zig-zag lines symbolize lightning to add power and speed to the horse. Every hoof print symbolizes each animal taken on a raid. The hoof print symbol has been painted on the side of the horse.
The following types of symbols can be see in the above picture depicting Horse War Paint - they represent a horse hoof print: Horse War Paint Symbols shown on the Picture The designs and symbols painted on horses were believed to hold magical powers for protection and to indicate previous victories in battle.