[NATIVE AMERICAN] Plains Lance with Quillwork and Ribbon Adornment

A Plains Lance with Metal Blade and Wooden Shaft.

Note: The silk ribbon, porcupine quillwork, and red wool selvage cloth are probably later additions. 

An elongated Plains lance fitted with a narrow metal blade that tapers gradually to a pointed tip. The dark blade continues the strong vertical line of the wooden shaft, while a cluster of multicolored ribbons, quillworked elements, and red wool cloth ornaments the junction. These suspended materials provide a vivid concentration of color beneath the otherwise restrained metal head.

The blade’s exceptional slenderness gives the lance its distinctive profile. Its darkened surface contrasts with the brown wood below, while the loose textile ornaments soften the transition between the two. In the present arrangement, the decoration introduces both movement and textural variety, setting the pliant ribbons and cloth against the rigid blade and shaft.

The lance occupied an important place in the martial traditions of the Plains, serving as both a practical weapon and, in certain contexts, an expression of personal distinction and spiritual protection. Used in hunting and warfare, lances could also figure in the practice of counting coup, in which approaching closely enough to touch an adversary demonstrated exceptional courage.