Cheyenne War Shield Beaded Belt

The Cheyenne War Shield belt is a hand-loomed beaded belt with a bison billet designed by New Mexico artist Wendy Capek. In her own words, the artist describes the significance of this pattern: "The name of the belt pattern is Cheyenne Warrior Shield-Eagle. A "shield" is really any kind of symbol that radiates outward and likely symmetrical and might even have some feathering in it. If you look down the center of each side of the feathered shield you should see a three bead wide horizontal band in black and white. That is the eagle feather. Look at number one in the same area. You should see a macaw feather. The Cheyenne were known as great bowmen. And a good arrow would have a feather or feathers at its tail. So a Cheyenne warrior is likely to pride himself on his arrows and feathers. In broader symbolism, this pattern would offer its wearer great success in his or her life: a good arrow/tool and being accomplished at its use. I tend to think of a warrior not as a mean ruthless antagonistic figure, but as a protector and a provider, a benevolent being."