Museum Store Christmas Ornament 2023 - Ring-Necked Pheasant Feather Headdress Circa 1895

2023 saw the renovation of our Silberman Gallery and a reimagined space for our  extensive collection of Native American Fine Art. To celebrate, we decided to feature this particular piece from that collection.

The classic “flared” headdress design developed around 1800. Although headdresses were worn prior to this, they were not constructed in the characteristic style which became so iconic. 

This particular bonnet is very unique.  Made from the feathers of the ring-necked pheasant, this headdress was not used in war, but rather in dance.  Native to Asia, the pheasant was introduced into America in the 1880s and quickly became an environmental staple.