Returned to lender The Met accepts temporary loans of art both for short-term exhibitions and for long-term display in its galleries.
Shield with Guardian Spirit
Not on view
The buffalo bull on the cover of this heavy rawhide shield is the owner’s guardian spirit. Although the shield provided physical protection in battle, it was the image that kept the man from harm. The animal appeared to the owner in a vision after a period of prolonged fasting and prayer. The painting—a dramatic expression of spiritual revelation—conveys the power of this encounter and communicates the owner’s connection with the supernatural.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
