Among the nomadic tribes of the plains when searching for herds, new camps for winter or summer it was standard practice to send out a scout. The balance of the tribe would then form a convoy stretching over a mile or more. This consisted of warriors, women and children as well as all the tribe's worldly possessions. In order to mark a fork in the trail or a change in direction, a trail marker would be used to indicate the correct route. These were decorated with antler, animal skulls, fur, beadwork and feathers, indicating a specific clan or village group. The medicine wheel on this particular marker would indicate a prayer for a safe journey.