Several of the colors have universal meaning, yet variations are common tribally, as well as individually. They have undergone a new birth, and with this they have new responsibilities, new obligations, and a new relationship.” (Brown, 1953)Īmong the various tribal Nations, specific colors were used symbolically. (Zedeno, 2008) As Nicholas Black Elk, an Oglala holy man stated “By being painted, the people have been changed. (Zedeno, 2008) When paint was applied to an object it became a person, and likewise, paint applied to a person transformed that person with a gift of extraordinary characteristics and powers, such as courage, strength, stealth, health, etc. The common link between nearly all Native American tribes was the brotherhood with nature, the earth, and animals, and the belief that the natural materials used in making the paint also had the ability to impart animating powers to the paint, which would then be conveyed to the recipient. ( Lewis, 2009) Colored paints were used for decoration and ornamentation, but most importantly for spiritual power, and “at times constituting a prayer to a super natural being.” (Densmore, 2006) The design and color of face paint was an individual choice, chosen to “harmonize with the individual’s attire, purpose, dreams, or visions.” (Densmore, 2006) Face paint was also used to intimidate an adversary, such as when Tecumseh and his warriors met with William Henry Harrison, the warriors were all wearing war face paint, which undoubtedly struck fear amongst the US soldiers who witnessed the event. Ceremonial paint was also used to hide ones identity, as well as to obtain power from the creature or spirit represented. Native Americans commonly viewed face painting not only as an act of social distinction and cultural heritage, but as a significant aspect in cultural and spiritual ceremonies and rituals. Therefore, by combining information from Native American websites with scholarly resources, my aim is to give a respectful and general description of traditional Native American face painting including the significance of colors, designs, and rituals, of a variety of Native American cultures such as California, Great Basin, Northwest and Northeast Coast, Southeast and Plains tribes. Furthermore, face painting traditional customs, colors, and designs, have either been passed down orally through storytelling, or have been documented by white explorers and journalists who may not have had the cultural sensitivity to fully understand and relay the authentic spiritual symbolism and meaning behind the various colors and designs.
However, the amount of available scholarly information regarding ceremonial and cultural face painting is scarce. For thousands of years, cultural groups from all over the world have participated in ceremonial face painting for a variety of reasons.
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