The center line symbolizes the river of life or Missouri river which    was the means of their livelihood, the four diagonal symbols in semi-cardinal  directions represents the Earth Lodges of the Arikara; these lodges are placed in the semi-cardinal directions that are significant to the ceremonies of the Arikara people. The horse tracks going in opposite directions are the Arikara people riding the sacred dog in both worlds, and the red colored background of the blanket is the foundation color for the blood of a unified horse/man relationship.