2018
marks the centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which is considered the
most powerful and important bird-protection law ever passed in the United
States. To honor this milestone, the National Park Service is partnering with
other organizations to celebrate the “Year of the Bird.” As birds face many new
and serious threats, this collaboration aims to celebrate, inspire, educate, and
heighten public awareness of the importance of birds and what we can do to help
them.

Beaded PouchNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Beaded GauntletsNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Baseball Cap (1994) by Diana Broncheau-HalfmoonNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Beaded BagNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

HandbagNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Bolo TieNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

HandbagNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Vest by Lucy TypesNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Beaded BagNez Perce National Historical Park, National Park Service

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.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Google apps