Counting Coup

Native American Inspired Ring

Design

Counting coup is a tradition amongst the Native Americans which involves recording and retelling honorable acts of battle in the face of the enemy. There are several ways to count coup but one simple and higher honor was to encounter the enemy, touch them with a short stick, and escape unharmed. This short stick was used to record each coup that you earned while in battle. After retelling your story you could be awarded a coup and could add a cut, notch, or decorative element such as a feather or bone. This ring was inspired by the notion of counting coup on a daily basis. What does it mean to add to and personalize a wearable item after each encounter with a new individual. It includes dings, notches, recycled wire, and a 3D printed segment to resemble bone.