Painted by Non-Native American artist Dan Chapman, Sturgis, SD.

Bears were honored as a powerful spirit, noted for their bravery and fighting strength. By depicting the bear image on his shield, the warrior received the bear's attributes in battle. In the middle of his shield, a warrior placed his personal medicine bundle. This one contains buffalo hair, sage, sweetgrass and a buffalo tooth. A piece of deer antler and a glass trade bead hang from the bundle.

The trade cloth and imitation eagle feathers representing coups, or battle honors, were arranged to permit the warrior to fire his bow effectively without losing the shield's protective power.

Dimensions:

Length 36 | Width 21 inches
Length measured from the top of shield to bottom of the trade cloth.  
*Note: All measurements are approximate.