8
Sina Okpate (Beaded or Quilled), Blanket Strip or Star Robe
The geometric pattern on the beaded blanket strip or star quilt describes a
philosophy and theology about the Star Altar, Sundance, Medicine Wheel,
Black Hills and the Sacred Path. Each symbol represents a number which
in turn represents a teaching. Therefore it is an effective mnemonic device.
The older star robe was a buffalo hide with painted symbols. This was
before the Lakota acquired beads and cloth.
The Star quilt is the contemporary version of the
buffalo star robe. The star shows the 4 x 4 or 16
sacred mysteries. It also shows the sixteen sacred
directions from the star on the top of the Sweat
Lodge.
The picture below is a replica of the ancient Buffalo Star Robe made of
Buffalo hide and quills. Note the four circles to identify the four levels of
understanding. This is the predecessor to the blanket strip. The four levels
represent the four ages of life: child, teenager, adult, and elder.
