The examples below are a small sample of the total number of symbols used by the Great Plains people. Not every tribe used these same examples, however, as with sign languages, they were often used as a common means of communication to convey a central idea.
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BADGER- the ability to reach a desired goal, industrious |
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BEAR – strength, inner power to perceive ones present circumstance |
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BEAVER – progressive builder, one who promotes family unity |
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BUFFALO – steadfast endurance to rise above one’s weakness |
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COYOTE – ability to laugh at oneself, humor |
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EAGLE – a soaring spirit that transcends personal problems, a connection to the Divine |
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FOX – camouflage, protection, stealth; intuitive, resourceful |
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FROG – for centuries able to petition the spririts to bring forth abundant rain; calm, flowing |
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HORSE – one of only two fetishes that have innate healing powers; speed |
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MOUNTAIN LION – leadership, resourcefulness |
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RAM – used to procure an increase of herds; perseverance, agility, loyalty |
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RAVEN – this bird’s beak is scratched across an afflicted person’s skull releasing it’s healing powers |
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SNAKE – a powerful fetish symbolizing life, death and rebirth; friend of dreams |
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TURTLE – a symbol of long, meaningful life |
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WOLF – teacher, path finder on the never ending journey for survival; strong character, tenacious |