This is a terrific Southern Plains painted war shield noted as being collected by Dr. E.F. Sutton from the a Pawnee family near Wheatland, Kansas, the shield shows a lead collection tag marked by Forrest Fenn of Santa Fe, New Mexico. The shield is constructed of thick Indian tanned buffalo / bison hide disk covered with layers of wetted, and stretched and laced hide. The front is painted with an old “bullseye” design in yellow, green, red and blue which appear to be mineral pigment powder paints. The outer edge is done in white. This is done in typical Southern Plains form with similar color schemes and designs attributed to the Kiowa, Osage, Southern Cheyenne, and Pawnee. Provenance: Noted as being collected by Dr. E.F. Sutton from a Pawnee family living near Wheatland, Kansas; later said to be collected by Forrest Fenn of Santa Fe, New Mexico who later sold it in early 2000’s to Ted Levy of Santa Rosa, California; a lead tag which is marked / stamped “FENN” on one side and “SANTA FE NM” on the other. Noted by previous collects to have been on Fenn’s office wall. The back shows a braided Indian tanned buffalo hide strap attached to the back. The front shows some fading and flaking of the paint but mostly well kept and rich. The hide is supple and the shield is in good condition. Likely used as a dance shield later and truly a unique and desirable piece. The shield Measures 19.5-inches across. The provenance of the piece is provided verbally by previous owners, no documents included. Review for your own representation of age and originality.