Ok, so today I want to look at how Native Americans utilized symbols and depictions of powerful animals and objects on their war regalia.
As we were learning about this, I thought back to my time in the military and the symbols and animals that aircraft squadrons displayed on their aircraft; I believe their use is similar. Although native people used these symbols because they were brought to them in visions or they were believed to hold supernatural powers, military units use them because they are powerful animals and symbols ;their supernatural powers are not so relevant.
The native warriors and modern day pilots both adorn themselves and their mounts with symbols of powerful creatures or symbols before they ride/fly into battle.
Interestingly, Native Americans have the highest rate of military service per capita of any ethnic group. Today there are over 190,000 military veterans of Native American ethnicity.
Some examples and comparisons are:
The Navy's "Ragin' Bulls" aircraft and this warrior's shield depicting a bison. Yes, I know that the bull is a domestic animal and not of the same species as a North American bison but this is still a good comparison haha.
- Details of the shield: Humped-Wolf received a vision of a bull buffalo preparing himself for battle. The green band on its upper left section symbolizes Spring, the time for warfare. The black zig-zag lines drawn over the green band represent the paths of bullets deflected by the shield.
A painting by JD Challenger depicts a warrior with lightning bolts on his horse, face, and shield. The modern equivalent is the Marine Corps' "Thunderbolts" who utilize the lightning bolt symbol on their aircraft.
interesting connections....
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