The designs often represented animals because of their particular characteristics. Discuss the significance of ceremonial shields to the Native Americans. Demonstrate bending a reed or coat hangar into a circle. Cover it with brown butcher paper that has been crinkled and rubbed to make it look and feel soft like animal hide. Mix several paints in earth tones.
Students plan and draw their own design on the shield with heavy crayon.
Paint, preferably earth colored, may be applied over this. Attach natural materials, such as shells, feathers, bells bones, driftwood, rope, or twine.