Treasures from Our West: Eagle hat

July 28, 2014 by Nancy McClure

Originally featured in Points West in Summer 2008

Eagle hat

With its special power and beauty, the eagle is the bird most revered by Plains Indian people. This hat is made of an eagle head, wing, and tail feathers over buffalo hide. It’s trimmed with brass bells and has brass button eyes.

Such a hat would have been worn for personal adornment or ritual regalia.

Eagle hat, Crow, ca. 1870. 11 x 26 inches. Gift of the I.H. “Larry” Larom Collection of Plains Indian Ethnology. NA.203.168

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About Nancy McClure

Nancy works in the Public Relations Department in electronic communications. Her work includes writing and updating website content, publicizing events, copy editing, working with images, and producing the e-newsletter Western Wire. In her spare time, Nancy enjoys photography, reading, flower gardening, and playing the flute.