11/27/2020
Today is and November is , so we at Evergreen have been holding space in our holiday celebrations this week to reflect on the history and culture of indigenous peoples. Leading this reflection is Evergreen intern Elana Neher (KSAS '20), who has been posting to our social media accounts all week to share more information about the native objects and photographs in Evergreen's collection. Scroll back to see what you missed! Over to you, Elana!
The eagle feather headdress in Evergreen’s collection is an icon of Plains Native American culture. Headdresses like this one could only be worn by the most honored warriors. Each feather on a headdress was awarded to a warrior for a special feat in battle or display of bravery. These headdresses were not worn during battle, but during military society ceremonies and dances.
John W. Garrett, like many east coast elite men, would likely have been attracted to objects made by Plains Native Americans. Plains Native American society was perceived to be a masculine, warrior society. Objects might be displayed in a collector’s “Indian Room,” popularized among Americans beginning by the early nineteenth century.
Headdress, Unrecorded Plains Native American Artist; third or fourth quarter of the 19th century, eagle feathers, trade cloth, metal, beads, animal hair, rawhide, Evergreen Museum & Library, JH1942.1.1131.