[War Bonnet] The war bonnet, with its long trailer of feathers, has become a symbol of honor and accomplishment among Plains tribes. In recent years, other Native American peoples have adopted it.

The preferred feathers -- and the ones used in this bonnet -- are those from the golden eagle's tail. This bonnet was given to General Robert Lee Bullard in 1939 when he was made an honorary Pawnee chief.

Courtesy of the National Museum of the American Indian
Eagle Feather War Bonnet, Pawnee peoples, central plains states, 1939, golden eagle feathers, wool cloth, and glass beads

[Back to:] Return to A Celebration of Community
Contacts | FAQ | Press Room | Privacy | Copyright
Top  Top