Native American Symbols in Fashion

Another common Coachella accessory, Native American feathered headdresses have been becoming popular in fashion, amongst both celebrities and non-celebrities. This page will discuss the significance of these headdresses and their presence in popular fashion.
 

The Significance of the Headdress

In Native American culture, specifically that of the plains people (where headdresses originated), headdresses are worn only by male chiefs, during special ceremonies, and they must be earned.  
                                      Sioux Chiefs by Edward S. Curtis

Headdresses as Used in Fashion

Feathered headdresses are very popular accessories amongst music festival goers, though many festivals are now banning attendees from wearing them, because of the offense it has caused. Various celebrities have also been seen taking part in the headdress trend. Some examples of this are featured below.
                                   
Native Headdresses Glastonbury: A woman wearing and Indian headdress, Glastonbury Festival headdress2

Feathered headdresses are also common components of "Indian" Halloween costumes, pictured below.

                                      

 

 

Photo Credits

  • https://www.theguardian.com/fashion/2014/jul/30/why-the-fashion-headdress-must-be-stopped
  • https://styleblazer.com/334823/music-festivals-take-stand-cultural-appropriation-banning-native-headdresses/
  • https://www.theguardian.com/music/gallery/2011/jul/01/glastonbury-2011-festival-highlights-in-pictures
  • https://bettyandkora.com/2014/07/25/bass-coast-music-festival-bans-attendees-from-wearing-native-war-bonnets/
  • https://youthmovemaine.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Indian-costume-app.-.jpg
  • https://www.shefinds.com/2010/tik-tok-halloween-is-almost-here-why-not-be-kesha/
  • https://www.thecostumeland.com/40-womens-costumes/54-womens-historical-costumes/33188-tipi-treat-american-indian-women-costume.htm
 

 

Contact

Deidra Baker djb558@mun.ca