Native American Style Breastplates!

Tribal Impressions
Located In Historic Georgetown Courthouse Square Just North Of Austin Texas
108 W 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626 , Phone: 512-864-2081
Click Here For Map To Location And Grand Opening!
Click Here For A Photo Tour Inside Tribal Impressions!

Understanding American Indian Breastplates

Breastplates had originally been worn as armor and for protection in both battle and hunting. In the hot climate of the Southwest, they were often worn over a bear chest. During winter months and in colder climates, they were often worn over a shirt. The material used in the hand crafting of breastplates dates back to pre-columbian days for various types of Native American dress. Plains indians were famous for the individual workmanship that went into a breastplate. Many believed that, by wearing one made in a specific fashion, a spiritual advantage was obtained during hunting and battles. Breastplates are hand crafted from what is called hairpipe beads. These long bone beads are strung on strong cord with spacer beads and leather between them.

Specific specialists in each tribe generally made various types of breastplates. Many Native Americans had dreams about a certain type of breastplate and then have their tribe's specialist make it for them. Most of the breastplate makers were helpers to the great medicine men and other times, they were the medicine men themselves. Rarely would a Native American make his or her own breastplate if it was to have the great spiritual power.

The Sinew used to string breastplates were usually from Deer or Buffalo. The sinew strips from these main sources were generally not only longer than other animals, there was an abundance of them. At one time, there were more buffalo roaming around America than there were people. Before metal and needles were invented, Native Americans used a sharp piece of filed down bone as hole punchers for the hide spacers often found between the bone beads.

As time moved forward, breastplates became a sort of status symbol among many Native Americans. Aside from a functional use for protection, breastplates were and are still worn in Native American dances and ceremony. It is important to note that Native Americans did not recognize the concept of land ownership and that the land belonged to all humans to use with respect. Their personal positions thus became something that they could be proud of and the breastplate became part of that pride.

Long hairpipe beads were originally made from various animal bone. Since the bone marrow could be carved out, they could be used for various types of stinging of both necklaces and chokers and for breastplates. Bone chokers have a very close connection to the history and development of the breastplate. (Click here to review bone chokers) The first types of breastplates where very rustic looking. Breastplates today are worn ceremonially and as regalia. Today, Breastplates can be embellished and decorated in a number of ways. They are often decorated with carved horn, shells, leathers, fringe trim and sometimes contrasting colorful beads.

WARRIOR PIPE BONE FRINGED
BREAST PLATE
SUPER WEB SALE ONLY $79.00


This striking Hair Pipe Breastplate is decorated with pony beads, side leather fringe, glass beads and feathers. Tight fitting breastplates made of bone were used by Indians for protection in heated battles. Bone hair pipe, usually from small animals, and beads were fashioned personally by individuals who imprinted their own style on the plates to gain a spiritual advantage over their opponents. Hair pipe and Beads, to honor Earth Mother, were held together with leather. Also Pictured: Turquoise Bone Choker And Turquoise Glass Bead Concho Fringed Choker.

DELUXE MEDICINE MAN PIPE BONE
BREAST PLATE WITH FRINGE, FEATHERS AND CARVED BONE CLAW


This striking Hair Pipe Breastplate is decorated with Pony Beads, Leather fringe, glass beads and feathers. It measures approximately 8-1⁄2" by 14". Two 17" long ribbons tie off around the neck and two more 18" long black ribbons tie off on the back. Tight fitting breastplates made of bone were used by Indians for protection in heated battles. Bone hair pipe, usually from small animals, and beads were fashioned personally by individuals who imprinted their own style on the plates to gain a spiritual advantage over their opponents. Hair pipe and Beads, to honor Earth Mother, were held together with leather. Non-Indian Made.

 

Attractive Handmade Half Breastplate/Choker

Really attractive medium length handmade Black Breastplate/Bone Choker handmade with hairpipe bones, leather fringe, feathers, metal beads and shell concho.

Attractive Handmade Half Breastplate/Choker

Really attractive medium length handmade Breastplate/Bone Choker handmade with hairpipe bones, leather fringe, feathers and metal beads with concho.

Buffalo Tooth Breastplate

Handmade with 6 cm hairpipe Bone, beads and buffalo teeth Bones Breast plate with teeth.

 


Thunderbird Beaded Bone Choker/Breastplate
Handmade with hairpipe bone beading and hand done beadwork.


Lady's Breastplate/ Bodyshield
Handmade with Hairpipe bone and beads.

Attractive White On White Handmade Half Breastplate/Choker

Really attractive medium length handmade White On White Breastplate/Bone Choker handmade with hairpipe bones, leather fringe, feathers and metal beads with concho.

Standard Handmade Breastplate

Great looking standard handmade full breastplate made with Pipe bones (3 cm),leather, plastic beads,wood beads.

MEDICINE MAN PIPE BONE BREAST PLATE

This striking Hair Pipe Breastplate is decorated with Pony Beads and Leather fringe. It measures approximately 8-1⁄2" by 14". Two 17" long black ribbons tie off around the neck and two more 18" long black ribbons tie off on the back. Tight fitting breastplates made of bone were used by Indians for protection in heated battles. Bone hair pipe, usually from small animals, and beads were fashioned personally by individuals who imprinted their own style on the plates to gain a spiritual advantage over their opponents. Hair pipe and Beads, to honor Earth Mother, were held together with leather. Non-Indian Made.

Rustic Cherokee Medicine Man
Indian Hairpipe Bone Breast Plate


An exceptional design, one of the best we've seen! This Rustic Medicine Man Indian Hair Pipe Bone Breast Plate has a lot of artistry and natural character. This breast was made from genuine Hair Pipe Bones following the centuries old tradition. Colorful glass and unique trade beads make this impressive artifact a true one of a kind work of art. Plus, this breast plate has genuine leather straps providing support and structure. It measures approximately 10" by 15". Ribbons made from artificial sinew tie off around the neck. Tight fitting breastplates made of bone were used by Indians for protection in heated battles.

Really Attractive Apache Indian Bone Bead Choker Necklace

A distinctive Native American Apache Indian look. Hand made, using pipe bone and plated silver beads. Silver plated beads give this choker the perfect look. Genuine Bone bars have been hand etched with traditional designs. A genuine bone disc beads artfully adorns the center. Non Indian made. This choker is 1-1/8" wide, and 12-1/2", and each end is dressed with 7" long extension straps.

Apache Indian Style Bone Choker Necklace


Pay attention to your favorite hollywood stars and singers, I'm sure you'll see them wearing bone chokers just like this one. A distinctive Native American Apache Indian look. Hand made, using pipe bone, trade beads, cowrie shells, and plated silver beads. This choker is 4" wide including the beads dangling at the center, 15-1/2" long with two 8-1/2" long adjustable cords on either side.

Click Here To Review Hand Made Bone Chokers


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Be Sure To Check Out Our Extensive Line Of Native American Design TShits!
Now Featuring-Earth Friendly, Hand-Dyed, Pre-Shrink With Design Dyed
Right Into The Fabric! 100 Percent Cotton!
Click Here Now To Review The Tribal Impressions TShirt Line!

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Tribal Impressions



TRIBAL IMPRESSIONS
THOMAS TURQUOISE TRADING COMPANY
AMERICAN INDIAN LEATHER COMPANY
Located In Historic Georgetown Courthouse Square Just North Of Austin Texas
108 W 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626 , Phone: 512-864-2081
Click Here For Map To Location And Grand Opening!
Click Here For A Photo Tour Inside Tribal Impressions!

A DIVISION OF THOMAS INVESTIGATIVE PUBLICATIONS, SPYTEK WHOLESALE IMPORTS,

Email: RThomas007@mac.com
Copyright, 2010 Ralph D. Thomas
All rights reserved.