Man's Shirt

1860; Northern Cheyenne; Buckskin, buffalo hide, wool fabric, ermine skim, human hair, glass beads, pigment, porcupine quills; height 117 cm (46 in.); Founders Society Purchase with funds from Flint Ink Corporation; 1988.27

The owner of this shirt painted red "power circles" arranged in a chain descending from the shoulders, from which a bolt of lightning strikes. The painted images of flying birds on the breast and back probably represent guardian spirits who offered blessings as gifts in a vision or dream.

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