what is the symbalism to the american breast plate?

Question

american indian breast plate....early 16 to 1700 hundreds....early amerian indian symbol to the breast plate worn during cerimonies...ect.

Answer 1

Sir, I know what you are talking about, and I know that it looks like a breast plate but it is actually a 'Warriors Necklace'.

This unique style of necklace was often made of buffalo horn pipes and brick red pony beads (or of tea dyed hair pipes and glass pony beads). Approximately 4" x 9" from neck to bottom of necklace. Necklace closes with leather ties. Also featured on these pieces is a bone war eagle in the center and from the bottom hangs either a red jasper or black jasper donut (sometimes, featured on the center of this piece is an abalone button and from the bottom hangs a carved bone drop).

(Genuine Indian necklaces with light colored hairpipe are normally made from cow or buffalo bone - the dark necklaces are normally from the horns of these animals.)

These were meant for both physical and spiritual protection.

Answer 2

The only 'breast plate' I can think of is the one on the US Army Seal. That is not a breastplate but a piece of cuirbolli armor symbolizing that we will defend the nation with heart body and soul.

It is a piece of Roman Armor worn in the early years before their 'Empire' came into being and is a boiled piece of leather fashioned into torso covering piece of armor.

Answer 3

What breastplate are you refering to? The conquistadores wore breastplates. Some First Nations wore wooden breastplates in battles and ceremonies. Colonial americans didn't wear them because they were obsolete by the time firearms began to be used. No symbolism involved, they were just there to keep you from getting holes in that part of your body.