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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 bare 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.
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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.
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Standard Handmade Breastplate
Great looking standard handmade full breastplate made with Pipe bones (3 cm),leather, plastic beads,wood beads. Non-Indian Made.
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WARRIOR PIPE BONE FRINGED
BREAST PLATE
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. Non-Indian Made. |
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WARRIOR PIPE BONE FRINGED
TURQUOISE BREAST PLATE
This striking Hair Pipe Breastplate is decorated with pony beads,
side leather fringe, glass beads and feathers. The breastplate is done with died blue turquoise hairpipe bone beads and white hairpipe bone beads in the middle. 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. Non-Indian Made. |
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Buffalo Tooth Breastplate
Handmade with 6 cm hairpipe Bone, beads and buffalo teeth Bones Breast plate with teeth. Non-Indian Made.
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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. Non-Indian Made.
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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. |
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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. Non-Indian Made. |
Can't Do A Thing Stop Me - By Victor Crisostomo Gomez-Click Here for More Info
Limited Edition Canvas Gicliees - Limited to 100 - Signed And Numbered
Native Made Spirit Feathers, Friendship Feathers And Honor Feathers
Help Support North Star Painted Sky Dance Company! Click Here For Their Web Site!
Click Here To Review Hand Made Bone Chokers
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HERE FOR PAGE THREE THE PRIMATIVE IMAGE COLLECTION
HANDMADE BREECHCLOTHS
Breechcloths, Breechclout, Handcrafted, Soft Leather, Indian designs,
Native American, Fringed Bottoms, Two Tone, Suede, Thunderbird Designs.
Men's Indian Style South Western Vests
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!
Indian Spirit War Shirt Collection -Indian Style Shirts And Pull-Overs
Lady's Fringed Wolf Vests In Five Colors
Western Indian Skirts, Shawls And Vests
RETURN TO FRONT PAGE
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!
Email: RThomas007@mac.com
Copyright, 2013 Ralph D. Thomas
All rights reserved.
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A large site about Native Americans and members of the First Nations |
