Research- Native American Symbols, Colours and Meaning

Native Americans over time have a set style that uses nature and land to create everything from clothing, weapons and houses. Looking closely at clothing and the decoration they create made me want to find out more. What were these designs or symbols? Are they used for a reason?
With these questions in mind i have done a little research into the symbols the meaning when used.



Symbols and Meaning

Native Americans have and use many different symbols to convey messages to one another. Most symbols are pictograms which were based on the sun, moon and stars, thunderstorms or animals. These would be used to help document important events that had occurred , warning signs or even just to provide directions.  Native American Warriors also used the symbols not only on themselves but their horses as war paint. Symbols also have a spiritual reassurance for members of the community that guardian spirits are near and watching over them.

War Symbols and Colour meaning

Many Native American tribes painted symbols on their bodies, faces and horses for events such as battle or rituals.Every mark used anywhere on their bodies had a meaning. Designs that were used were believed to have magical powers for protection or to reflect on their achievements. Such as the wavy line (see image below) was believed to hold the power of giving the warrior added power and speed.

Using colour for war paint also plays a huge part in the meaning of the symbol with each colour representing something different. The image below explains each meaning.

Clothing

Symbols are also used on clothing that they wear for decoration or to show occupation. For example a doctor would usually have a garment with a certain pattern on to show this. Also some patters symbolize elements such as fire or water (see image below).

Bibliography 

https://anthropologylover.wordpress.com/2013/02/09/native-american-face-paint-customs-colors-designs/

http://lewisandclarktrail.com/section2/colorsanddesigns.htm

http://www.semtribe.com/Culture/SeminoleClothing.aspx

http://www.support-native-american-art.com/Native-American-Symbols.html

http://tattoosymbolism.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/power-animals.htm

http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-culture/war-paint.htm

http://www.warpaths2peacepipes.com/native-american-symbols/symbols-and-meanings.htm

http://www.whats-your-sign.com/native-american-symbols.html

Research- Female Armor

Given the nature of the game  League of Legends the characters are built and designed for combat . Whilst designing the clothing for one of my characters Purah I have looked into different types of armor  which would fit the character type and what would correctly be used in an actual battle and not impractical.

After researching into the areas below I have found that leather or chain mail armor would be great to build on and incorporate into my designs for not just my character Purah but also Kimi. These both can be used as they are flexible (which is needed for warrior characters) , strong and the materials used can relate to both characters.

Researched Areas

• Leather Armor- Decorative, flexible 
• Chain Mail Armor - Type of metal used/ look/ style- Easy to repair 
• Plated Armor- Tough/ strong
• Clothing used under
• Shoes

Leather Armor

Chain Mail Armor

 Medieval / Fantasy Armor

                                                                          (Illyriad , 2013)

The depictions of armor worn by females back in this period of time tend to  be fiction and only really heard about in stories written. Images drawn seem to have been altered to show women looking quite feminine and not holding swards as such but an object symbolizing feminism. Could this be because for armor to work correctly whoever it is wearing it male or female have to be able to move swiftly during combat and without the metal , leather or chain stopping movement or sticking into them.

Fantasy armor on the other hand can be quite the opposite to being practical for its intended use. Taking a look at the bust area of clothing for example most designs show a lot of flesh and can be quite open to attack if an enemy were to strike them more than likely causing them to be killed. But this is where the level of creativity comes into play, being able to use elements from real armor anything can be possible.







Bibliography

http://armor.com/

http://io9.com/what-kind-of-armor-did-medieval-women-really-wear-1502779338

http://www.leatherlore.com/armor-w.htm

http://www.medievalarmour.com/

http://metalsmithing.wonderhowto.com/how-to/make-chain-mail-armor-from-start-finish-0118499/

http://www.medieval-life-and-times.info/medieval-swords-and-armor/chain-mail.htm

http://womenfighters.tumblr.com/