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Because the male elk will fight to his death to protect a mate, Plains People considered the elk a symbol of love and power. An Elk dreamer was one who saw elk in his visions and so gained the power of elk medicine - helping a young man find a mate, bringing peace to quarreling spouses. Some Elk Dreamers were able to cure certain diseases, foresee events, find lost articles or make powerful war medicine.
The Elk Dreamer Shield is made of split tanned leather over a willow hoop. A leather strap allows it to be flung over the shoulder or around the neck - as often worn by warriors on horseback - and an arm hold permits it to be carried, as in battle or during a dance. The bull elk painted on the shield is radiating love medicine. (In non-Indian culture, it’s like shooting Cupid’s arrow at someone.) The Black Hills are pictured in the background. Four love medicine bags containing sweet-smelling flowers native to the hills and prairie are attached to the shield.
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