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Writer's pictureNotes From The Frontier

Native Warbonnets-Prestige, Power & Pomp

Updated: Feb 19, 2023

Sacred, awe-inspiring and fantastical works of art that held great power for Native Americans

Perhaps the most iconic insignia of Native American dress recognized by the rest of the world is the Plains Indian warbonnet. It is a magnificent creation that was considered sacred and represented status, leadership and bravery. The warbonnets were viewed as regal and awe-inspiring, and whites especially were fascinated by the ferocity they symbolized.

Native headdresses, in fact, are found in numerous forms and serve multiple purposes. And many are more splendiferous and colorful than any Victorian lady’s plumed chapeau. But they were not made of spangles and baubles but the flora and fauna of Nature in its most raw and beautiful forms and were believed to draw power from the creatures and plants from which they came.

The materials gleaned from Nature were infinite and drawn not only from a tribe's traditional palette, but also the individual tastes and personality of the wearer: feathers of eagles, hawks, owls, falcons, turkeys, woodpeckers, and many other birds; tails of ermine, cougar, wolf, beaver, or weasel; claws of bear and teeth of elk; antlers of stag and horns of buffalo; porcupine quills, turkey hackles, horse hair, hooves; heads or whole pelts of wolf, cougar, bear, buffalo or elk; woven reeds and grasses, flowers, pods, and other flora. Nature provided all inspiration, raw materials and natural dyes from all the colors of the rainbow.

The types of war bonnets differed between tribes and regions and the materials differed as well in their symbolism. Eagle or hawk feathers were often used by warriors. Owl feathers or ermine were typically worn more by healers of medicine men. Animals were honored for their intrinsic powers. By donning a part of that animal, a wearer could acquire those powers.

War bonnets were considered sacred. And the honor to wear one had to be earned. The war bonnet was also specific to the wearer, unique in its meaning and its story, its power and its prestige. Sometimes, a war bonnet was considered holding so much power as to be a talisman against harm in battle. Roman Nose, one of the most famous Cheyenne warriors of the Plains Indian Wars in the 1860s, was known for his immense warbonnet of many eagle feathers. Many believed his headdress protected him during battle, for he was known to gallop in front of ranks of soldiers taunting them and, though riding through a rain of fire, remained unscathed.

Some Plains chieftains had achieved so many feats of bravery, acts of defying injury or death--called "counting coup"-- that their headdresses extended to their feet and drug on the ground. They were as regal as the robes of European royalty, honored insignias of rank, badges of courage, proclaiming to the earth and heavens that here walked a brave man.


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"Native Warbonnets—Prestige, Power & Pomp" was first published on Facebook and NotesfromtheFrontier.com on March 9, 2020

164,583 views / 4,634 likes / 2,485 shares


©2023 NOTES FROM THE FRONTIER

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John Wright
John Wright
May 08

You are looking at modern images of ancient Egyptians. (DANIEL 12:10) (AMP) “Those who are SPIRITUALLY WISE will understand.”

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Pat Cassidy
Pat Cassidy
Jan 29, 2022

Because of this post I bought the book "Encyclopedia of American Indian Costume" by Josephine Paterek ... it is a great coffee table book that attracts attention. All thanks to you!


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Pat Cassidy
Pat Cassidy
Mar 09, 2020

If you have spent some time outdoors observing and photographing hawks and eagles, you have to wonder ... How did they catch so many raptors?

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Deborah Hufford

Author, Notes from the Frontier

Deborah Hufford is an award-winning author and magazine editor with a passion for history. Her popular NotesfromtheFrontier.com blog with 100,000+ readers has led to an upcoming novel! Growing up as an Iowa farmgirl, rodeo queen and voracious reader, her love of land, lore and literature fired her writing muse. With a Bachelor's in English and Master's in Journalism from the University of Iowa, she taught students of Iowa's Writer's Workshop, then at Northwestern University, Marquette and Mount Mary. Her extensive publishing career began at Better Homes & Gardens, includes credits in New York Times Magazine, New York Times, Connoisseur, many other titles, and serving as publisher of The Writer's Handbook

 

Deeply devoted to social justice, especially for veterans, women, and Native Americans, she has served on boards and donated her fundraising skills to Chief Joseph Foundation, Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), Homeless Veterans Initiative, Humane Society, and other nonprofits.  

 

Deborah's soon-to-be released historical novel, BLOOD TO RUBIES weaves indigenous and pioneer history, strong women and clashing worlds into a sweeping saga praised by NYT bestselling authors as "crushing," "rhapsodic," "gritty," and "sensuous." Purchase BLOOD TO RUBIES online beginning June 9. Connect with Deborah on DeborahHufford.com, Facebook, and Instagram.

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