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Feather Headdress

1750–1800
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
“Swept back,” flaring headdresses are an icon of the American Indian in general and the Plains Indian in particular. Trimmed feathers of the raven—a bird closely associated with war—are attached to the cap. The browband is ornamented with porcupine quillwork and projecting rawhide triangles as opposed to the beadwork browbands of later headdresses. This example is the earliest known of its type and preceded the large eagle feather bonnets of the 1800s.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Feather Headdress
  • Date: 1750–1800
  • Geography: United States, Eastern Plains or Western Great Lakes
  • Culture: Eastern Plains or Western Great Lakes
  • Medium: Raven feathers, porcupine quills, native-tanned leather, deer hair, metal cones
  • Dimensions: Length: 20 1/8 in. (51.1 cm)
    Height: 13 3/8 in. (34 cm)
    Width: 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
  • Classification: Feathers-Costumes
  • Credit Line: Musée du quai Branly, Paris (71.1934.33.31 D)
  • Curatorial Department: The Michael C. Rockefeller Wing