The kind of Native American headdress worn by the nations who dwelt on the northern Plains during the 19th Century has become an iconic garment representing the whole of indigenous America. The feathered war bonnet though was not worn by many tribes, but did spread from northern nations like the Lakota to southern groups such as the Commanche. The image of the warrior sporting this head gear and galloping across the Plains with tails of feathers streaming behind has become one of America’s most potent cultural symbols.
The most readily recognized design of this type of war bonnet is the ‘trailer’ type, and this type was popular with many Plains nations, including the Lakota. This is where a ‘tail’ of feathers is attached to a cap with a pair of horns attached. The single upright row of feathers then extends in a long tail which streams behind the wearer impressively when mounted on horseback.
Other designs favoured by Plains nations included the ‘halo’ design, when a circle of feathers surrounds the wearer’s face and then stretches out behind him. The Blackfoot of Montana and southern Canada favoured a design where the feathers pointed straight upright. Decorations such as ermine skins or bead or quill work would often complement the design of the war bonnet.
Feathers were not mere decorations for the Plains nations. Instead, they were symbolic prizes, usually awarded for carrying out some kind of daring deed in warfare. One way to earn a feather was to count coup by striking an enemy with the hand; others ways were to kill an enemy, or to receive wounds.
Often, feathers could have notches cut into them or be coloured in order to refine their symbolism to refer to precise deeds. The feathers were usually taken from an eagle, a species regarded by many Native cultures as the noblest of the birds. Hunting an eagle for feathers was a difficult and dangerous task, involving travel to difficult mountain areas, and feathers were often regarded as valuable trade items as a result.
The Native American headdress is nowadays more often used as a cultural symbol on ceremonial occasions rather than reflecting the bravery of the wearer. The style worn by the tribes of the Northern Plains during their days as horse lords of the grasslands has become an icon. Recognized worldwide, it is now a symbol for the whole of indigenous America. Native American Headdress
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