For rites, dances, and battles, many Native American tribes painted their bodies and faces. The painted motifs were thought to have magical protection qualities. Warriors, chiefs, and braves were also made to appear more terrible by using colors and pictures.

WAR PAINT—AND ITS MEANING:

when it was applied to the face as a face paint

Blue: The colour blue is associated with wisdom and self-assurance.

Yellow: The colour yellow is associated with death. Yellow also denoted a hero, someone who had lived a virtuous life and was eager to battle to the end. It also represented intelligence.

Green: The colour green represents perseverance. Green is thought to improve vision and is connected with harmony. It also has a strong healing effect.

Purple and Brown: Purple and brown were not employed as face or war paint colours.