Welcome to Friday Night Photos everyone. Your once a week break from the daily madness of the crazy world we live in. Post any photos, memes, music, or whatever else you find of interest that helps you escape the madness.

One of the photo stops I made while I was in the Bay Area was at the Blackhawk Museum in Danville. When the museum opened in 1988 it was devoted exclusively to the automobile, but over the last ten years the menu has expanded to include exhibits of African art, Chinese art, the American West, and nature.
Tonight's menu item is the American West. The exhibit is split into two halves. One half is devoted to the Plains Indians and the other half to the white settlers. From a visual perspective I didn't find much of interest on the pale face half of the exhibit so all but the last photo are from the Plains Indian side, which I found to be more interesting.

Chiefs Headdress

War Clubs . The plain looking clubs were used in hand to hand combat, the fancy looking clubs were used for ceremonies.

Cheyenne Dog Soldier in war bonnet, war shirt, and leggings. Dog Soldiers were the elite military forces of the tribe.

Peace Pipes and pipe bags. The Peace Pipe was shared to begin new friendships, celebrate rites of passage, validate agreements between parties, and bless and honor new endeavors.

Close-up of shirt worn by Medicine Man/Woman. Some really fantastic handmade craftsmanship.

The whole enchilada.

"Getting My Steps In"

Wedding Dress

Ceremonial Drum

Mobile Home

The arrival of the covered wagon and its occupants marked the beginning of the end for the Plains Indians and their way of life.