Presented in this lot is an Original Crow Nation Apsáalooke Rawhide War Shield by Issac Lion Shows, from the Many Trails Collection at the former Indian Nations Trading Post in Livingston, Montana, circa 20th century. The face of this hand-stretched polychrome rawhide war shield features a large central image of a horned bison skull done in ink painting and stippling styles, with the image of a long-haired woman in the centre of the skull. Slightly below and to either side are the ink painted profile images of two separate hawks also featuring some stippling technique. Below the hawks is a polychrome peace pipe with ink painted feathers. Lion Shows signature and hallmark are on the bottom right corner. The shield is "wrapped" along the edges by a trade blanket displaying geometric designs of brown, yellow, green, black and cream colours. Turkey feathers along with trade beads, metal beads and metal cones are attached to the trade blanket sides. To the Crow (Apsáalooke) people, the buffalo is sacred, representing life, strength, provision (food, shelter, tools from its body), and spiritual connection, a revered relative and gift from the Creator, symbolizing survival, abundance, and resilience, integral to daily life and cultural identity. This war shield has a leather thong attached at the top for wall hanging. This stunning war shield is in very nice condition, no marring observed. Measures 21" diameter, weight is 1lb, 2oz.