Spear

• Native Americans used the spear for functional and ceremonial purposes. The shafts were made of wood and the tips were created using flint, obsidian or copper. The tips varied depending on the tribe and region in which they lived. Functional spears were used for war, hunting and fishing. Colorful feathers were added to spears used in ceremonies and spiritual dances and were considered status symbols, often being decorated with scalps taken from battle victims.
  
  

Bow and Arrow

• Bow and arrows, made from wood and animal tendons, were adorned with feathers. Native Americans used them when hunting and during times of battle. Bow and arrows offered several advantages over the spear. They provided increased speed and mobility, a high degree of accuracy and were relatively silent. Native American men were exceptional hunters and expert warriors. The bow and arrow enabled them to silently track and observe their prey and enemies.
  
  

Tomahawk

• Some of the more violent Native American tribes used tomahawks. It was a notorious symbol of war and a weapon that was often used to scalp rivals. The tomahawk was a distinctive representation of each tribe. It was painted using tribal colors and decorated with a variety of feathers. Native Americans also presented them as valuable gifts during ceremonies or as a peace offering to a tribal chief.
  
  

War Shield

• Native American war shields were used as physical and spiritual protection and were a highly regarded mark of honor. They were symbols of life and spirituality, an theyd gained special significance after an Indian man's "vision quest." A vision quest was a significant personal journey that revealed his true spiritual name and spirit guides. A Holy Man interpreted what the young man gained on his journey and conveyed these symbols onto his war shield, decorating it with leather, beads and feathers.
  
  

Musical Instruments

• Drums, flutes and rattles were used as instruments for celebrations, ceremonies and religious rituals. They were created using animal bones and hides, wood and decorated with feathers. Native Americans believed that the instruments would satisfy and calm gods and powerful spiritual forces. Native Americans used feathered musical instruments as tools and symbols that represented their tribal customs and individual regions.