The Birds and the Beads

In recognition of the “Year of the Bird,” Nez Perce National Historical Park is highlighting the significance of birds found in the park’s museum collection. From beaded bags to gauntlets, the birds featured in this exhibit show the symbolic and cultural importance birds are to the Nez Perce.

This pair of beaded gauntlets features a golden eagle, one of the most prized birds among the Nez Perce. Golden eagles are one of the largest raptors in North America and can reach speeds of up to 150 miles per hour. Their strength and courage was admired by many Native American tribes; they ascribed mystical powers to the bird and its feathers. The tail feathers of a golden eagle are especially valued given their wide, white base and flat black tips.

This beaded baseball hat featuring a bald eagle, created by Diane Broncheau-Halfmoon, is an example of contemporary beadwork of the Nez Perce. Two eagle feathers are represented at either corner of the brim of the hat.

Eagle feathers are highly revered and considered sacred within Native cultures. The feathers are honored with great care and shown the deepest respect. Traditionally only Nez Perce men wore eagle feathers when they earned this honor. They could be worn in headdresses, worn in their hair, and also used for other means of ornamentation. Since the early 20th century, Nez Perce females are also allowed to wear eagle feathers when relatives determine they are ready.

This beaded bag features floral bead work, a common design of the Nez Perce, and also what is presumably a bald eagle. Due to the importance of eagles among Native cultures, the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act was enacted in 1940. This federal statute prohibits the possession, use, and sale of eagle feathers. Only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes are authorized to obtain a permit from the Secretary of the Interior that allows them to receive and possess eagle feathers.

This rosette style bolo tie is beaded onto a disc of smoked buckskin. The tie features eagle feathers, which are outlined and beaded with black and white seed beads.

Patriotic symbols featuring the American flag and the country’s national emblem, the bald eagle, are seen in Nez Perce beadwork and were commonly used around the time of the World Wars. Such motifs represent the respect the Nez Perce have for this land and honor those who have fought and served in the armed forces.

This beaded vest, made during World War II, previously belonged to a Nez Perce man. The back of the vest features a bald eagle motif and American flags. Based on the design and the time period of when the flag was made, it is believed that the original owner was a veteran of World War II.

The introduction of domesticated birds from Western cultures, such as turkeys and chickens, provided easily accessible bird feathers that soon became incorporated into outfits and other items of decoration. Such feathers are worn by men and women, but it is also common to see children wearing feathers. Until children are of age where they are allowed to wear the feathers of more respected birds, such as eagles and hawks, they only wear feathers from domesticated birds.