Beaded fringes and braided strap. Made by Francis Pat Grant, traditional Chippewa artist. This one carries a buffalo symbol, red trade cloth, and leather wrapped feathers. The buffalo symbol was to give the owner the strength and courage of the buffalo. The drum is sacred to Native American people.
Drums have a life of their own, and sometimes even a spirit, sometimes even a name.
The breast plate was once worn as protection from enemies. Worn into battle, the breast plate could deflect arrows, stones and spears. Originally, breast plates had no decorations, they were just thick pieces of leather with bones tightly attached by sinew. With the advent of glass beads and brass tacks, breast plates began to be decorated. Fringe was also added.