warbonnets
Chiefs' feathered headgear
Warbonnets are feathered headdresses traditionally worn by certain Plains Indian tribes, particularly by warriors and chiefs who had earned the right through acts of courage.
Each eagle feather typically represented a specific deed.
The iconic trailing bonnet, with feathers cascading down the back, became a widespread symbol of Native American identity—though its use by non-Natives as costume or decoration is widely considered disrespectful.
Also called war bonnets.
Western Sioux people
- SiouxPlains Indigenous nation
- CheyennePlains tribe or state capital
- BlackfootPlains Algonquian nation
- ArapahoNative Plains nation
chiefs · warriors · indigenous · elders · leaders · tradition · culture · heritage
Broad, level grasslands
- regaliaCeremonial emblems of authority
- beadworkStrung ornament craft
- trailerPromotional film excerpt
- ermineWeasel prized for pelage
buckskin · headband · quillwork · ornamentation · ceremonial · powwow · dance · parade
Worthy of reverence
- ritualCeremonial set of actions
- spiritualRelating to the soul
- powwowCeremonial tribal gathering
- traditionCustom passed through generations
ancestors · rites · blessing · prayer · gathering · celebration · custom · veneration
Gained by effort
- valorCourage in danger
- braveryBoldness before danger
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- leadershipAbility to direct others
status · respect · recognition · deeds · courage · battle · distinction · merit
Unauthorized claiming or allocation
- respectRegard with honor
- misuseImproper application
- costumeClothing for portrayal
- stereotypeFixed oversimplified notion
authenticity · education · sensitivity · representation · symbolism · significance · meaning · understanding
Lakota
Western Sioux people
Arapaho · chiefs · warriors · indigenous · elders · leaders · tradition · culture · heritage · reservation
plains
Broad, level grasslands
ermine · buckskin · headband · quillwork · ornamentation · ceremonial · powwow · dance · parade · craftsmanship
sacred
Worthy of reverence
tradition · ancestors · rites · blessing · prayer · gathering · celebration · custom · veneration · commemoration
earned
Gained by effort
- valorCourage in danger
- braveryBoldness before danger
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
leadership · status · respect · recognition · deeds · courage · battle · distinction · merit · prestige
appropriation
Unauthorized claiming or allocation
stereotype · authenticity · education · sensitivity · representation · symbolism · significance · meaning · understanding · awareness
warbonnetsbaseball caps
Visored casual headwear
beanies · sun hats · knit caps · bareheadedness · hard hats