Skin-walkers, Uniforms and Shape-shifters; The Comparison

Professional individuals wear uniforms. Individuals that are in the military, fire or police department and even sport teams wear uniforms. Uniforms show that you are part of the team. They show what you stand for. They give you a different form of identity. Uniforms quickly identify you to others.

Skin-walkers
First, let me back up and define what a skin-walker is. Native Americans believed that an individual that wears the skin of a selected animal will be identified with that animal. They would possess that particular animals traits. Traits include stealth, speed, ferociousness, strength and courage. Skins of different animals would be worn into battle. A skin-walker would be feared by members inside their own tribe.This is referred to as shape-shifting.

Shape-shifting
Shape-shifting is done by visualizing these traits while wearing the skin of the animal. Another example of shape-shifting can be seen in the martial arts, without a skin. Fighters might take on the habits of a monkey, bull, dragon or snake.

Many times Native Americans would wear different skins into battle. They thought that this would protect them. Some individuals would take it to the extreme and live out their entire life that way. Navajo Indians believed that a skin-walker could steal the soul of a person, just by staring into their eyes.

The power of a skin-walker could also be determined by how they came across the skin. If they took it from a live animal, they were considered to have stronger powers.

Uniforms
For years there has been something special about wearing uniforms. General Patton used his uniform as a show of power and leadership. King Leonidas considered the Spartan uniform as part of their battle gear. It was to be feared and respected by all. Uniforms have played an important roll in cultural control.

In many ways skin-walkers and those that wear uniforms are the same. Both take on the form of shape-shifting. Both stand for specific identification. Both use this to add to their character development. Both use this form to gain an upper-hand over their adversaries. Both have a lot in common.