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RE: First Nation ~ Headdress History and Sacred Meaning

in #history7 years ago

I love love love these big feathery headdresses - they're so detailed and beautiful, and I'm a sucker for anything that has inherent meaning within the details! It's easy to see how someone would try to appropriate them for style-reasons.

I remember that when I lived in British Columbia, there was so much first nations cultural art from that region that they would frequently be infusing those designs into non-tribe specific things. It was always a topic of conversation up there, and it was always a mixed bag of responses from the Bands. Some of them (usually older generations) thought it was offensive, and some of them liked that their arts and stories were being woven into the province's identity.

I think it's a delicate balance - if you're going to appropriate something, then at least do the research and know what you're saying by using those designs, particularly if you're not of that original culture. Preferably get someone who is experienced in the symbols of that culture and an active part of that culture to weigh in. As you say, these days there's really no excuse for ignorance!!

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@deronsnec I’m so happy you love the feathers too and have experienced the controversy behind symbolism and just asking. The warbonmet is a definite No, but the other symbols used in modern attire the NAs just want to be asked. They love the whole being asked permission thing, respect, etc.
most find it offensive the younger people either are not too into the culture, or they talk behind your back. LOL
There is a lot of that going on, openly on FB. I love them a to death but sometimes the anger, gossip can be too much. There really is no excuse for ignorance from anyone. A’oo. xx 🦅