North American Indian outfit

Chief’s war bonnetApache, Southwest, USA

Credit: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Lewis, Los Angeles,to American Friends of the Israel Museum

This extraordinarily well-preserved war bonnet with eagle feathers is the consummate symbol of an Indian warrior’s prowess and accomplishments. Only a man who had proven himself in battle against an enemy could wear one. Each feather represents an act of bravery on the part of the wearer or a fellow tribesman

Height: 186 cmWidth: 70 cmDepth: 80 cmWar shirt and leggingsKiowa, Great Plains, USA19th centuryCredit: Gift of Faith-dorian and Martin Wright, New York, to American Friends of the Israel MuseumOnly the garments of the most distinguished warriors could have fringes made of locks of human hair. The heavily beaded sleeves and shoulder bands were also marks of merit.Shirt:Height: 90 cmWidth : 63 cmLeggins each:Height: 71 cmWidth: 17 cmsShield and coverComanche, Great Plains, USA1860–1870 CE

Credit: Gift of the Faith-dorian and Martin Wright family, New York, to American Friends of the Israel Museum, in memory of their son, Jordan M. Wright

Plains Indians believed that certain objectspossessed spiritual or talismanic powers. Onesuch item was the shield, a warrior’s most prizedpossession, decorated with paintings and feathers.The spirits depicted on the shield and on its coverwere thought to protect its ownerDiameter: 46 cmMoccasinsCheyenne, Great Plains, USA19th century

The hard-sole moccasins worn by the PlainsIndians were fashioned in a style particular to eachtribe. These styles were so distinctive that it waspossible to tell which tribe the wearer belonged toby examining his footprints. A typical design amongthe Cheyenne was the Indian star/cross – a sacredsymbol pointing to the four cardinal directions –done in beadwork. This design was used by theIndian communities before the arrival of Christianityin North America. Some moccasins had heel fringeswhose purpose was to blur the wearer’s footprints.