Animal Totem Jewelry

Shields were made from the hides of different animals like buffalo, elk, & deer. They were used for protection from the enemies weapons. Upon the shield the maker would paint designs and embellishments like horse hair, beads, shells, etc. Everything on the shield had a meaning and was chosen very carefully. Sometimes the shield was made to honor a personal dream or vision and in making the shield the vision was encouraged to manifest. Some shields were made for the tribe or a special society within the tribe. Often a shield honored animals and there spiritual powers. The Eagle was often placed in the East and represented Spirit and clear vision. The Wolf was in the South and was a pathfinder, teacher, & hunter. The Bear was in the West representing the place of introspection and the healer. The Buffalo, life giver, was in the North as a symbol of abundance, wisdom, & our ancestors. The position on the wheel & spiritual gifts of animals could vary according to the different tribes.