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The Thunderbird was the representation of Thunder Beings in the sky. He came from the west, the direction of danger, one of the four cardinal directions. The Thunderbird had the power to cause thunder by flapping his wings and lightening by blinking his eyes, which resulted in rain. Rain was a very important commodity to the Plains Indians because drought conditions often occurred.
The Thunderbird Shield was used in the Thunderbird part of the Sun Dances which were conducted for the health of future generations. Its central design is the Thunderbird giving off its power from its wings. Four imitation eagle feathers hang from this shield along with turkey tail feathers.
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