The Hand Symbol indicates that the warrior has been successful in hand-to-hand combat. The following types of symbols can be see in the above picture depicting the War Paint on the Iowa warrior. Meanings of War Paint shown on the Picture A ceremonial marshal who organised Pow-wows and large council meetings had a red parallel stripe. A marshal of an Indian camp had a black stripe painted on the right cheek from the corner of the eye to the jaw line. The marshall of a war party would have war paint depicting two black stripes on the right cheek. The war paint and insignia of an Akicita of the Lakota Sioux had specific meanings as to their roles and responsibilities. The American Indian Akicita were the Warriors and Elders who had considerable powers in policing and organizing some North American tribes. The Warrior Culture - War Paint of the Akicita Every mark on the face and body of an American Native Indian had meaning. The clothes, tepees and all of his belongings was decorated with the symbolism of his achievements and acts of heroism or his various spirit guides. The achievements of warriors were often reflected in the symbolic images of their war paint. Experienced warriors were held in the highest esteem. Their beliefs were handed down from one generation to another. In their religion they blended rituals by promoting and preserving their hunting and the survival of it's people with showing respect to the spirit. Their religion was dominated by rituals and belief in a spiritual connection with nature. Native American Indians had a highly complex warrior culture, especially those who lived on the Great Plains.

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