-
Dec 24, 1492
Why are Native American Headdresses Important to Them?
Headdresses are spiritually and philosophically symbols of power and honour that are used differently depending on the culture. Ultimately, headdresses represent the right of Native people to govern and instruct themselves according to their beliefs, laws, and history. Headdresses are seen to be used in Native culture throughout Northern, Central, and Southern America. -
Dec 24, 1492
Native Life Before European: Why is it Important to Keep in Mind?
Europeans and Native Americans had different methods of recording history. Europeans tend to use the method of ink and paper in which they would record history within a book for future generations to reference to. With Native history, other methods were used such a totem poles representing history or the oral method of story telling or even petroglyphics. There are not a lot of Native outlets for research so I advice readers to remember that my information is coming from mostly European sources. -
Period: to
Popularity Among Native American Use
Headdresses have different meaning depending on what culture of people we are talking about. The meaning behind headdresses is spiritual. They have been used as apparel that is to be worn for a tribe going into war but are now used primarily for ceremonial purposes. -
Woodland Natives (North America)
Woodland natives like the familiar Algonquin people had a style of their own. Culturally, they did not adopt the 'headdress' style until the 1800s which they learned form their Sioux neighbours. Traditionally, Algonquin men tended to wear porcupine roaches made of porcupine hair. -
Period: to
Wild West Shows Causing Stereotypes
Wild West shows were shows ran by people such as Buffalo Bill that were composed of performances put on by Natives. These performances features Natives dressing up in colourful clothing including headdresses, ceremonial dances, and archery. These shows causes all Native to be stereotyped like this. A staple in the stereotype of Native is headdresses. We all know the problems with stereotypes and we definitely know the harm it causes for culture. -
Period: to
Headdresses in Sioux Culture
The Sioux are thought to be the first Natives to wear headdresses. Sioux culture was popular for their hunting and war skills and also, their intolerance for white invaders. Out of the Sioux tribe we see famous names like Sitting Bull. This part of the timeline is important because most developed Native stereotypes came from the Europeans experienced with the Sioux. Especially during the wars where Europeans feared them especially thus the "Cowboys vs. Indians" mentality originated. -
Plains/Plateau Native Headdress (North America)
This headdress comes from Sioux culture. It is an authentic piece, it's date of origin is unknown but estimated to be from the late-1800s. It is made from armadillo skin, eagle feathers, and tails of ermine. These people were the main target for European settlers and they had been shaped greatly by the "Indian Battles". -
Eskimo Headdress (Inuit, Aleut, Yupik)
In Eskimo/Iroquois culture, headdresses are less common. Instead of being a symbol of power, they are used in a spiritual way while preforming dance. -
Amazonian Headdress (South America)
This is a headdress used in the Amazonian Native's culture. It is made of special feathers coming from three colourful birds. The colours represent the conjoined cosmic forces that contrive Human well-being. It is a very honourable object worn by important people in ceremonies. -
Period: to
How Does My Culture Relate to Native American's Headdresses?
Unfortunately, the only way my culture connects to Native's is in the means of culture appropriation. The movement of Natives against society's habit of culture appropriation is still in progress today. We see non-Natives wearing cultural Native clothing especially headdresses. Of course, they appreciate it for its artistic value but they neglect the spiritual significance which comes across as disrespectful. This "trend" has become especially popular in the past ten years. -
Victoria Secret: Headdress Culture Appropriation
In 2012 we saw Karlie Kloss walk the VS Angels runway in her Native American inspired lingerie. The Native community was enraged by this because it simplified Native culture but it also sexualized their culture in a disrespectful way. The headdress is to be worn for very spiritual ceremonies or while going into war. It is not a trinket item. VS apologized publicly on Twitter for using Native's culture in the wrong ways. -
Why is culture appropriation a bad thing?
Culture appropriation is as harmful as stereotyping. It takes one aspect of culture and turn it into a trend. Objects that are held by other cultures are artistic, spiritual, or philosophical are disrespected by others that are simply into it into a trend. It hurts culture because it makes their culture look like a joke for society. It is fantastic to appreciate and learn about culture but it is wrong to use it for your own personal gain.
