Can anyone identify this symbol?

[jml818]

Shield is approx 4" to 5" tall. has that loop on back, so maybe it slid onto some type pole.
Symbol seems to be a bird with three vertical lines. it's heavy and cool find.

 

[ARC]

Looks like a very old "bolo".

 

[ARC]

After closer look this is a very interesting piece.

Possibly early Native American Indian... frontiersman... or the likes.

 

[Terry Soloman]

In the Boy Scouts, when you are inducted into the "Order of the Arrow," you place a stick tied to string around your neck. Through the night as you go through the initiation steps, a notch is carved into your stick if you fail a step or speak. Three notches and you're out. Very cool piece, old, and cool!