Native American headdress

Native American headdress

Eagle feather headdresses are the most prized adornments in North America. They are so popular that in the United States, only Native Americans have the right to possess eagle feathers, as these adornments are deemed essential to maintaining their culture while eagles are strictly protected species.

These adornments can be very simple, consisting of a single feather, or very complex like those of the Sioux or Arapaho. They were used both in war and during councils and religious ceremonies in the Far West.

It appears that the first North American indigenous people to use complex headdresses were the Crows. The Blackfoot adopted them in the early 19th century, but their eagle feathers are arranged circularly and vertically in rows all around the head. The Pawnee chief named Petalesharo wore one in 1821, the Cheyenne by at least 1830, and the Sioux in the mid-19th century, not to mention the Ituha.

These headdresses are still used during Pow wows. Some traditional headdresses are also equipped with buffalo horns. From the 1920s, George Catlin, a portraitist of "Indians", became an important source of information for traditional North American indigenous clothing customs.

Whether you're passionate about Native American culture or simply looking for a decorative element or a costume, don't hesitate to contact us for any inquiries.