Indian John’s scalp belt symbolizes the fascinating and terrifying nature of Native Americans in the eyes of white settlers, as well as the trust between Indian John and Caddie. When John first gives Caddie the scalp belt, she feels a “prickling sensation up where her scalp lock” grows, signifying that Caddie is not immune to the terror that white settlers assign to such an object. Capitalizing on that fear, the children hold a show to share it with their friends, knowing they will want to see it because of white settlers’ fascination with the terror associated with the Native Americans. The Woodlawn children decide to call the belt “Big Chief Bloody Tomahawk’s favorite scalp belt” (153), further capitalizing on that fear and curiosity.

The scalp belt also represents the trusting relationship between Indian John and Caddie. Indian John speaks of the belt’s value, telling Caddie that it belonged to his father. Caddie’s actions during the massacre scare ensure that John sees her as a trustworthy friend. Caddie promises to keep the belt safe and chastises her brothers when they want to touch it, saying that she has to “keep it nice for John” (149). Caddie’s determination to protect a belt made with the hair of dead people indicates that she values her friendship with John and feels pressure to maintain his trust in her.