Coupstick

Originally a coup stick was used to display the bravery of a warrior. An Indian man’s status was decided by his courage as a fighter and his success as a hunter. The ultimate act of bravery was to get close enough to touch an enemy with a coup stick and let him live (and also survive himself!) This allowed him to claim some of his opponent’s medicine or spiritual powers. The proudest day of any young warrior’s life, was when he counted his first coup.