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Native American Headdress
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library
Native American Headdress
Image courtesy of the Barack Obama Presidential Library

Native American Headdress

Artifact SeriesDomestic Gifts
Artifact IDDO.11292012-30-1
Object Type Bonnet, War
Intended Recipient (American, 1961)
Medium textile (wool, synthetic), feather (eagle), leather, fur, shell, plastic, metal
DimensionsOverall H 16 1/4 in x D 28 in x W 26 1/2 in (41.3 cm x 67.3 cm x 71.1 cm )
Overall (cap) H 10 1/2 in x W 8 1/2 in x D 9 1/2 in (26.7 cm x 21.6 cm x 24.1 cm )
Overall (ribbon) W 1/2 in x L 19 in (1.3 cm x 48.3 cm )

Physical DescriptionTraditional Native American war bonnet headdress. The headdress is composed of 35 eagle feathers tipped with white fur and wrapped with red wool felt encircling 6 split feathers and 1 white feather on the top of a black wool felt cap. Headband across the front isleather trimmed with red wool felt decorated with 3 circular abalone shells, beaded geometric designs in green, yellow, orange, and red seed beads, and silver metal beads in groups of 3 and 6. Headdress has black, yellow, red, and white ribbons on sides of cap.
Historical NoteReceived on November 5, 2009, during the White House Tribal Nations Conference in Washington, D.C.
Custodial History / ProvenanceThe item was a gift from a member of the general public to President Barack Obama during the Obama Administration. It was received through the Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in January 2017 for deposit with the Obama Presidential Library.Additional Details
Use Restriction StatusRestricted - Possibly
Use Restriction NoteCopyright or other proprietary rights may be held by individuals or entities other than the Obama Presidential Library. The Obama Presidential Library does not warrant that the use of materials will not infringe on the rights of third parties holding the rights to these works, or make any representations or warranties with respect to the application or terms of any international agreement, treaty, or protections that may apply. It is your responsibility to determine and satisfy any copyright or other use restrictions. Pertinent regulations can be found at 36 C.F.R 1254.62.
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