Wounded Hawk: The Four Colors and Four Directions

The Four colors represent four of the six directions. North, south, east and west are represented by the four colors in the shield. The fifth and sixth directions (down and up) are represented by the earthlodge and the pipe.

Previous | Shield Home

The Four Colors and Four Directions

In the Northwest Quarter is the Wind, the 'breath of life' and all the powers of the air. The winds give motion to all things: moves the clouds to bring the rains, and all the things that fly; birds, and insects.

The Northeast Quarter is the direction of 'night', dedicated to 'Mother Corn', the mediator, who brings peace and makes gifts from the chief above. Night is a time of rest and restores and refreshes the earth.

The Southwest Quarter
is the direction of thunder, gives the 'water of life', the rains and the clean and pure water. This is the direction of all the animal friends, chief of which is the Buffalo.

The Southeast Quarter,
is the direction that represents the light of the sun and all vegetation. The power of the sun is wholesome and reviving. It drives away disease and the powers of evil.

Story of the Shield Create
a Shield Sahnish Culture Society History Story of the Rock and Cedar 4 Colors & 4 Directions

Back to Shield Home

Wounded Hawk

Survival Challenge : 1800 or Modern

NatureShift Home

-- Natureshift! is a program of the Dakota Science Center & Grand Forks Public Schools. --

Memories & Stories | Robot Lab | Wounded Hawk | Ranger Rosie | Dakota Skies