How did visions influence the designs painted on Oceti Sakowin war shields?

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A Cheyenne River Sioux dancer in colorful traditional regalia performs during the Grand Entry at a powwow, with an American flag and other participants in the background. — Oceti Sakowin A member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe performing during the Grand Entry at the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Fair Rodeo and Powwow, Eagle Butte, South Dakota, September 4, 2016.

For the Oceti Sakowin, warfare and supernaturalism were deeply intertwined. Within their culture, designs that were revealed to individuals during mystical visions were painted onto war shields. These specific designs were believed to provide spiritual protection to the warriors who carried them against their enemies.1