When many of us picture Native Americans, we see a stately chief, standing tall wearing a large feathered headdress. The headdress is a very important part of Native American culture. Typically made of beautiful bird feathers, it is a highly symbolic and meaningful item. The Sioux were thought to be one of the first Native American tribes to use these head pieces. Not everyone among the tribe could wear one, however. The Native American headdress was reserved for the most powerful and influential among the tribe.

Perhaps there is meaning then as to why we usually picture the chief wearing one. It is a little known fact that Native American headdresses were not made completely in one sitting. In fact, each time the chief, warrior, or other important tribe member committed a brave act, a feather was added. Therefore, the more feathers in the headdress, the braver…the wearer was. In certain tribes, the brave act itself was not enough. The warrior would have to provide [prepare] himself by fasting for several days and meditating the entire time to show his steadfastness. This fact alone makes the significance of the Native American headdress very important.

It is also a very surprising and little known fact that women did not participate in making the Native American headdress. Only the men would help to make them, and this was often made by the chief or warrior’s closest friends and allies. Of all the feathers, the Golden Eagle feather was the most coveted and the most significant. If someone had one of these in their headdress, they received a great deal of reverence and respect from other members of the tribe.