Years Have Gone, 20 x 30, oil on linen This Plains Indian wears eagle feathers and has white face paint. What is the meaning of the face paint in my American Indian paintings? American Indians painted their faces for decorative purposes and for protection against the wind, sun, snow and insects. Designs of various kinds were used to designate membership in certain societies, to prepare for ceremonies, to mark achievement and to mourn the dead. When used for personal ornamentation there was no guide to the way the paint should be applied beyond the fancy of the wearer or for personal identification. http://khendersonart2.blogspot.com/