The headdress was the most important symbol of ceremonial regalia. Worn by the head of the family or tribe, could be made of varying materials, including feathers, spruce root, carved wood, and paint. It represents the family lineage/ancestry and shows status. It also is used as a symbol of connection to the spiritual world, and is held in high regard. Each headdress was uniquely designed, crafted, and painted to reflect the tribe's or family's ancestry and spiritual guides (Neil, 1986).
Each feather on the headdress represents an accomplishment/the highest form of respect one can give (“Native American Warbonnets Meaning,” n.d.). In other words, each time a tribe member displayed bravery and was recognized by the tribe, they earned a feather. They further earned the feather by meditating and fasting before they were allowed to wear it (“The Symbolic Meaning of an Indian Headdress,” n.d). The most respected feather, often worn by tribal leaders, was the golden eagle feather, as the eagle was thought to be a spiritual messenger. These could be earned only through hardship, loyalty, and strength ("The Symbolic Meaning of an Indian Headdress,” n.d).
While much of the Native American tradition and culture has been lost as a result of suppression from the Federal Government, the value of each tradition has largely been kept. It has, however, been a fight to keep the meaning as other cultures use their symbols (such as the headdress) with a lack of regard to its meaning and no regard for the amount of reverence that went along with it (Hernández-Ávila,1996). While I spent hours trying to research the specific tribes and their unique headdresses, there is almost no information or photos (or even drawings!) of them. This is likely because of the suppression of culture that occurred.