Why do Native Americans have body art?
Native Americans have had and do display many forms of body art. Most of these adornments are traditional and symbolic. Throughout history Native American groups have adorned themselves with body paint, war paint, piercings, tattoos and symbolic scarrings.Body PaintBody paint is and was used by many tribes to decorate themselves for ceremonies and events. These markings are spiritual and intended to help the wearer connect with his spiritual self.War PaintWar paint is body paint used during times of conflict. War paint was intended to build the spirit of the wearer and intimidate the enemy. Colors had meanings but the meanings did not remain constant from tribe to tribe. Among the Seminole, red stood for blood, yellow meant a man was willing to fight to the death, and green near the eye was intended to improve night sight. Traditionally among the Teton Sioux, black was the color of victory and white was for mourning.PiercingsPiercings were used for adornment by some Native American tri
