Reasons for War Paint, Body Paint or Face Painting Native American Indians made use of Face Painting or Body Paint for various reasons: War paint - war paint to intimidate their enemies when going into battle or during warfare - this where the term War Paint was originally derived Marks of Distinction and Honor: War Paint, Face and Body paint for certain tribes would indicate achievements and success Camouflage - Paint was used as camouflage for both hunting and warfare enabling the wearer to blend into the environment and exercise the element of surprise Ceremonies, Dances and Rituals: Specific colors and patterns were applied Visual Messages: Victory, Mourning etc were indicated by the application of face and body paint Mental Preparation: Medicine Men often chose certain markings for warriors and that powerful magic was passed on during the application of the war paint helping the warrior to believe himself invincible. Paint was used as an element in Spiritual Healing Power and Magic: It was believed that the application of certain symbols and colors afforded the wearer with Magic for power and protection by drawing on natural powers and combining these with the power of the warrior. Symbols included stripes, circles and triangles Protection: Paint was commonly used to protected the skin from insects, the sun, the wind and the cold. Red ochre was in plentiful supply so this was the most common application. Decoration: War paint, Face paint and Body paint was applied as decoration, just as we use make-up today. Women of certain tribes also used face and body paints for decoration
Posted on: Sun, 04 Jan 2015 00:38:17 +0000
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