War Bonnet and Trailer
The headdress was a sign of leadership and honor and was often passed down from generation to generation. The headdress and trailer was probably made locally. The headdress itself is built around a tan felt cap with twenty-five feathers. The head band is beaded with small bells and ermine tails attached to it. The trailer has twenty-six eagle feathers attached to a trailer of red trade cloth. One of the designs on the trailer is of a whirlwind, which Euro-American’s often call a swastika. This is an ancient symbol that appears in artwork around the world.
Wool, eagle feathers, brass. L 154 , W 22.3 cm
Nez Perce National Historical Park, NEPE 2225