This series of traditional rawhide shields are decorated with symbols that represent the struggles with are experiencing in recent years, touching on a variety of contemporary issues connected to the pandemic and reconciliation.

I chose emojis used in social media that empowered us, bringing us together during these times. The shields are made with acrylic paint and variety of traditional materials including: Elk hide, deer hide, brass ring, cherry wood ring, leather, feathers, and, beads.

Shields are traditionally used for protection, and in more contemporary time, they are used to symbolically protect the home or space in which they are hung.

Anishinaabe Mermaid Elk Shield