Lance / War Spear

War lances were prestige weapons carried by prominent warriors and military society leaders among the Plains nations. Unlike bows and clubs, which were primarily practical weapons, the lance was often a symbol of a warrior’s military society membership and personal courage. The “lance carriers” of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Sioux military societies were expected to plant their lances in battle and fight to the death rather than retreat — a tradition of extreme bravery that Lewis and Clark learned about during their winter at Fort Mandan. Lances were decorated with eagle feathers, painted designs, and sometimes enemy scalps. The expedition journals describe lances displayed during diplomatic councils and ceremonial dances.