How Did A Plains Warrior Prepare For Battle?

War was the climax of the Indian's life. As a result, he brought to it all the supernatural aids that he could muster. War paint sometimes symbolized past deeds. More commonly, however, a warrior decorated his face and torso with designs to protect him as he went into battle. Indians dabbed on war paint both before and after battle. The Indian also dressed for war. Except for the shield, most things carried into battle were of little practical value. Rather they were part of his personal medicine. It was believed that a war bonnet conferred on the wearer the superhuman powers needed to survive. Even the shield was thought embody more spiritual than physical protection. Every warrior owned a knife, which he wore under his belt. One of the most common weapons for battle was the war club, used for hand-to-hand combat. The warrior's bow was made of carefully selected ash and strung with two buffalo sinews twisted together.