Introduction. Aims and scope of the study ; Questions reconsidered and methodical contemplation ; Previous studies ; Materials of the study ; The Plains Indians and the Plains culture area concept -- Methodical considerations. The study of the Plains Indian shields : some observations concerning previous studies and future tasks ; Mato-Tope's knife and Crazy Horse's shield : use of ethnographic objects as cultural documents ; The family of the Plains Indian religions -- Bear shields reviewed. A forgotten Comanche shield? : highlight of my research work ; Bear power motifs on Plains Indian shields -- Reinterpretations. Bear ceremonialism and its environmental integration among the Subarctic and Plains Indians ; Individualism and collectivism in the Plains Indians' visions and visionary art -- conclusions.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.