Collectable Amazonian Tribal Feather Headdress: C20th South America

Item Details.
This amazing vintage feather headdress is from the indigenous people of The Amazon.

Bought from a fellow dealer it came from a collector of tribal artifacts.

We have no idea of the date but think it’s late 19th/ early 20th.

Made from the tail feathers of Macaws
the beautiful and colourful plumes the indigenous people of the Amazon famously use. Taken from the forest around them, the headdresses and ornaments created identify the wearer with nature and they also act as important powerful and mythical objects.

‘According to Waiwai shamans, when the Sun refuses to shine he puts on his black-feathered curassow headdress, as evidenced by the dark, rain swollen clouds above their Guianan highland home. Hence, to call out the Sun, one must don a white-hot harpy eagle or great egret headdress, or a burning bright scarlet macaw headdress, in the hopes that the Sun will emulate the shaman’a changing of crowns. Colour is everywhere.’
– Barbara Baun, Arts of the Amazon

Measurements:
Height: 28cm (centre feather)
Width: 60cm - including plaited ties.

Condition:
In good antique condition, some signs of insect damage to a few of the feathers, nothing serious. Otherwise in excellent condition.