" COUP STICKS AND WAR PAINT "
Howard Terpning

150 Signed & Numbered Limited Edition Giclee Canvas
28" x 26"
$995

These two Northern Plains warriors have applied their war paint and are ready for whatever
trouble comes their way. To “count coup” on an enemy was a great war honor. It meant
touching the enemy with any object in the warrior’s hand —a bow, a rifle or a special stick
— usually adorned with at least one feather.

It was called a coup stick and was carried for the express purpose of touching an enemy if
he could get close enough. An accumulation of these war honors built a warrior’s reputation
among his people, gave him great stature and gained the admiration of the people in his
camp. His prowess as a strong warrior also made him more desirable to the young
maidens who might be looking for a suitable mate.

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