The History of the Indian War Bonnet

War bonnets are the traditional headdresses traditionally worn by the North American Indians. It is given and worn as an award for distinguished services as well as valor in times of war, and is most common among the tribes of the Great Plains.

A renowned warrior's war bonnet would tell his biography to the beholder. It was only worn on special occasions and was a highly appreciated symbol.

A war bonnet's value was not as much defined by its beauty as an ornament but by the special protection it provided the bearer with. The number of feathers showed the number of victorious battles.

Being awarded an Indian war bonnet was not an easy thing and many warriors only received two or three feathers during their whole life.

It was given to a warrior if he was the first to touch an enemy in combat. This was considered proof that he had fought in first line. The feathers would then be engraved and adorned in order to tell the warrior's accomplishments.

The feathers and their decor also showed whether the warrior had fought afoot or mounted on a horseback; and if he had touched, killed, scalped or caught an enemy. The most precious war bonnets are made of eagle's feathers since the eagle is worshipped as the most powerful of all birds.

The Eagle Feather Law provides the legal background for obtaining and possessing eagle feathers. However, citizens of recognized indigenous nations do have access to feathers and whole eagle bodies for religious and cultural reasons through the National Eagle Repository in Denver,Colorado.