While i have been researching all these different tribes across the world i cant help but always come back to the Native Americans, i just find them so fascinating and i absolutely love their style, many Native Americans made their clothes from animal skins and furs. Buffalo skin and rabbit fur were especially popular. They also used bird feathers to decorate their heads.There were many different Native American tribes and those with similar characteristics formed a main tribe or nation. Each had its own language, religion and customs. For the most part the tribes lived peaceably believing that nature was sacred and was to be shared, however,the coming of the Europeans and the removal of their land let to conflict both between the different tribes and between the Indians and whites.

By the nineteenth century the Indians had lot their fight to preserve their traditional way of life and those that had survived the conflicts were confined to reservations.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=0Hd6f2hHNzg

War Paint

Many tribes of Native Americans painted their bodies and faces for rituals, dances and for battle. The designs painted were believed to hold magic powers for protection. Colors and images were also used to make the warriors, chiefs and braves to look more ferocious. Their objectives were achieved! Native American Indians even painted their horses and ponies decorating them with with war symbols or symbols of power.

The Zig-Zag line across the face
symbolizes lightening which was believed to add power and speed to the warrior.

The Zig-Zag line across the face
symbolizes lightening which was believed to add power and speed to the warrior.

The hand symbol indicates that the warrior has been successful in hand to hand combat.

The most common meanings of the colors and patterns of War Paint, Body Paint or Face Paint are:

Red Color Symbolizes war, blood, strength, energy, power and success in war paint but might also symbolise happiness and beauty in face paint
Black was perceived as a "living" color and worn on the face to prepare for war. Very aggressive color. Black meant strength. It might also indicated that the wearer was a powerful warrior who had proved himself in battle. Black was also used to symbolize victory and might be applied before returning home to the camp
White Color Symbolizes mourning. White was also the color of peace when it was used as face paint.
Blue Color Symbolizes wisdom, confidence
Yellow Color Symbolizes the color of death. Yellow also indicated that the wearer was heroic, had led a good life and was willing to fight to the death. It also symbolised intellect
Green Color Symbolizes endurance. Green is associated with harmony and is a great healing power and believed to improve vision
The colors Purple and Brown were not used as face or war paint