Feathers and Featherwork
At a glance:
- Series: American Indians Ready Reference
- Categories: Social Science
- Subcategories: Native Americans, American Indians, Crafts, Ceremonies, Rites, Rituals
- Curriculum: American Indian History
- Geographical Location: United States
Article abstract: Indian tribes used feathers for decorative and symbolic purposes
Feathers obtained from native birds were an important natural material used by North American Indians for both decorative and symbolic purposes. Although not believed to possess inherent power, feathers could be used to represent spiritual powers and actual achievements of the wearers.
Among the items of spiritual significance that were decorated with feathers were the calumet, or peace pipe, the prayer stick, and the wand. The calumet shaft was often heavily decorated with...
[The entire page is 619 words long]
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