Shield

The history of this shield and cover is a reminder of the intermittent warfare and trade that characterized Native American and Spanish Colonial relationships throughout the early Southwest. Made by a Mexican or Colonial New Mexican artisan or by a Pueblo Indian, the heavy, two-ply buffalo hide shield was originally painted with an image of the Mexican second empire coat of arms (1823-1867) depicting an eagle grasping a snake in its beak. The shield was then acquired by a Plains Indian, presumably through capture in war or trade, and over-painted with a protective design of circles and lightning. The Mexican image is slightly visible beneath the Plains painting. The shield's yellow-painted deerskin cover, embellished with a secondary protective image, was added by the Plains owner.