RARE 1860S BUFFALO HUMP CHEYENNE CHIEF THUNDERBIRD

This Pre-Reservation War Shield (1868 treaty) was displayed by Moon in his studio as a prized gift from his time photographing the Native Americans, 1890s-1940s. Decorated with buffalo tracks and later feathers (owner's vision represented as protective), failure to act as required by the vision would result in the loss of the protective powers of the shield. The Plains Indians seldom spoke to outsiders, or even members of their own tribe about the vision that is indicated by the shield. Highly charged personal items, they were typically buried with their owners. Six pendant hawk style bells, red stroud cloth (representing Brave Horse Society), with rawhide ties, buffalo brain used as glue, back flame scorched as part of the hardening process, retaining original buckskin fringed strap, one bullet deflection mark on front, roughly 23" diam. Remarkable condition. One of the finest examples in existence today. Very large and thick (3/8" to 1/2" thick), designed by a horseback warrior. Retains great old patina, surviving ochre paint and clear Warrior graphics. Museum quality.Featured in the book "In Search of the Wild Indians" by Tom Driebe.Chief Thunderbird (1866-1946) was Cheyenne, too young to fight in most of the Plains battles. He inherited the shield from his father Buffalo Bear who was in battles, and then presented the shield to Moon at the turn of the century.He appeared in twenty films but was credited only in major films such as Wild West Days, For the Service, Silly Billies, Custer's Last Stand, Annie Oakley, Cyclone of the Saddle, Laughing Boy, and Heroes of the West.