American Indians - costume

Why a feathered headdress should not be worn for ‘fun’

The feathered war bonnet or headdress of the American Indians is more than a cultural item and not a ‘fun’ item for anyone to wear.  According to a source:

“The headdress is reserved for revered elders who, through their selflessness and leadership, have earned the right to wear one. It’s a spiritual garb, not just cultural; it’s not merely an addition to one’s attire. Wearing one, even an imitation headdress, belittles what the elders have spent a lifetime to earn.”

Feathered war bonnets or headdresses are worn by honoured Plains Indian men. In the past they were sometimes worn into battle, today they are worn primarily for ceremonial occasions. They are seen as items of great spiritual and magical importance. The eagle is considered by Plains tribes as the greatest and most powerful of all birds and thus the finest bonnets are made out of its feathers.

The bonnet had to be earned through brave deeds in battle because the feathers signified the deeds themselves. Some warriors might have obtained only two or three honour feathers in their whole lifetime, so difficult were they to earn. The bonnet was also a mark of highest respect because it could never be worn without the consent of the leaders of the tribe. After about ten honours had been won, the warrior went out to secure the eagle feathers with which to make his bonnet.

A chief's war bonnet is made of feathers received for good deeds to his community. Each feather would represent a good deed.

 

This postcard came from Michelle (28 August 2014) Swap-bot.